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Functions of Department of Education

Functions of Department of Education

 

What is the Department of Education?

The United States Department of Education, also known as the ED, is a governmental organization and Cabinet-level department of the United States Federal Government.

The United States Department of Education, which was created by the Department of Education Organization Act and was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on October 17, 1979—the United States Department of Education began to officially operate on May 16, 1980.

The Department of Education Organization Act officially divided the Department of Health, Education and Welfare into more segmented departments, including the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. When the modification was finalized, the Department of Education is administered by the United States Secretary of Education. Although the Department of Education is a full-functioning and funded governmental organization, it remains the smallest Cabinet-level department, with roughly 5,000 employees.

Functions of the Department of Education:

The most notable functions of the Department of Education, according to the organization’s mission statement, is to “establish policy for, administer and coordinate most federal assistance to education, collect raw data on schools in the United States and to enforce federal educational laws regarding privacy and civil rights.” The Department of Education, as a government body of the Federal Government, is not permitted nor attempts to, establish schools or colleges throughout the country. 

Unlike the educational systems of other nations, education in the United States of America is decentralized (the school systems are funded and run on a local level). The federal government and its coordinating Department of Education, in the United States, is not primarily involved in determining educational standards or curricula—although this role has been augmented through the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Following the passing of this legislation, the function of providing a curricula and establishing educational standards has been left to state and local school districts; if a local school system decides it needs aid in developing a curricula or funding, the federal government and more specifically the Department of Education, will act as an intermediary to bolster the school’s effectiveness. In general, however, the quality and effectiveness of an educational institution and their coordinating degrees is primarily maintained through an informal private process known as accreditation.

This process is implemented and maintained by the local school district itself; in accreditation, the Department of Education has no direct public jurisdictional control. In general, as a government body, the Department of Education aims to promote student achievement and the preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact an education lawyer.

 

 

Directorate of Education At A Glance

Directorate of Education At A Glance

What is the Directorate of Education?
The Directorate of Education is the governmental department operating under the education ministry of the Delhi Government—the Indian governing body responsible for managing the city’s public school system.
The Delhi government has made several efforts for growing and improving education in Delhi; by recognizing the importance of education, the government of Delhi spends roughly 10% of its total budget towards improving the Education Sector. 
In 1973, the Delhi School Education Act was passed by the nation’s assembly; this act required that primary education and pre-primary curriculum in Delhi was to be governed by the local bodies, such as the MCD, the NDMCH and the Delhi Cantonment Board.
Intertwined with these legislating responsibilities, the Delhi School Education Act affirmed the roll of the Directorate of Education, which was made responsible for the secondary and senior secondary level of education. 
The responsibilities of the Directorate of Education have recently become more prestigious and vigorous as Delhi’s secondary schools have increased from 254,000 in 1980-1981 to over 800,000 in 2009-2009. This overwhelming increase of secondary schools in the district is coupled into the fact that the district has not grown in size. As a result of this expansion in the number of secondary schools and the space constraint realized, the role of the Directorate of Education was modified into two separate shifts—a morning shift for female students and an evening shift for male students.
Due to the expanded growth rate of the district’s population and the shortage of infrastructure, the Directorate of Education also introduced primary classes in its 364 school districts. 
The Department of the Directorate of Education:
The Directorate of Education has effectively divided the Delhi region into 12 districts and 29 school zones with hierarchy ranging from districts to zones. Each district in Delhi consists of two or more zones; each district is headed by a District Education Officer and each zone is headed by a Zonal Education Officer who is responsible for commanding the education department on a zone level. 
Although the Directorate of Education employed numerous reforms to advance the school system of Delhi, still a large portion of the district’s population is either illiterate or in possession of only a primary level of education.  

Early Childhood Education Overview

Early Childhood Education Overview

What is Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is a term that is used to commonly describe the formal teaching and care of young children by individuals or professionals other than their family or in settings outside the child’s home. Based on the definition provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, early childhood education spans the child’s life from birth to the age of eight.
That being said, the general definition adopted by the majority of school districts throughout the world will typically employ a system of early childhood education starting from birth to when a child starts school—which typically occurs at the age of five. 
The definitions regarding early childhood education are somewhat arbitrary; however, the majority of school jurisdictions throughout the world have defined the curriculum as taking place between a child’s birth until he or she reaches the age of 6. This period is regarded as one of the most critical in regards to a child’s development, for the years, which constitute early childhood education, denote the most influential period of growth and development. From zero to age 6 is the period of greatest growth and development for a child; at this stage, the brain develops most rapidly.
During this period, a child will begin walking, talking, developing a self-esteem and manufacturing a vision of the world. As a result of these innate developments, the child will build a moral foundation that is ultimately intertwined with the ability to perform rudimentary educational tasks. 


The Importance of Childhood Development:
Childhood development is in essence, the basis of human development. This stage of life is connected with understanding and developing morals as well as achieving a desirable quality of life. The early years of a child’s life are critical to the development of intelligence, as well as social behavior. Various research on brain development attests to the importance of key physical, mental and social capabilities. If these fundamental capabilities are not developed or established from the start of an individual’s life, the learning potential is adversely affected. 
Early childhood education, with social and mental development as the foundation of this learning period, will focus on children learning through play and human interaction. According to the Early Childhood Care and Education Unit, early childhood development incorporates a time of remarkable brain development; these years in essence, lay the foundation for subsequent learning. 


Types of Schooling in Early Childhood Education:
In most jurisdictions, preschool and kindergarten education emphasize the period of early childhood education and incorporate the teaching of children between the ages of 3 to 6. That being said, the terms Childcare and Day care, although they incorporate educational approaches, do not embrace the educational aspects grouped within early childhood education.
The distinction between these two mediums, even if they both provide educational resources and learning tools, is the fact that child care programs are focused on delivering a high standard of care and nurturance due to the young age and emotional needs of a child. 

What Are The Types of Education Grants

What Are The Types of Education Grants

What are Education Grants?

Grants are streams of funding, offered by a government body or organization. There are several types of grants, which are delivered to organizations or individuals for the purpose of starting a business, providing an education or offering some sort of tangible good or service to bolster society’s well-being. Education grants, using this loose definition of grants, are an avenue of financing used to mitigate the cost of higher education. Education grants may be applied for by completing tuition assistance forms, which will ask for basic information concerning your personal finances. In some inctances education lawyer may assist on reviewing your case.

Types of Education Grants:

Private Education Grants:

Private education grants are funds (gifts of money) offered from private organizations to students. Unlike a loan, a private education grant is not repaid to the issuing organization—although same may require the fulfillment of state or federal taxes. Additionally, private education grants differ from public grants, in that they are not offered by the school itself or a governing body; instead, private education grants rely on funding from the private sector, such as endowments, company profits or private donations.

The majority of private education grants offer a need-based availability; meaning to receive consideration for a private education grant, the applicant must complete an application that offers financial disclosure. These forms of grants may be also issued on a merit-based scale. Applicants who supply information concerning their successes, community service, career goals and academic performance may be eligible to receive private funding.

In addition to need-based or merit-based grants, the majority of private education grants are awarded based on specific circumstances of the student; for instance, grants are commonly made available only to applicants of certain national origins, socioeconomic positions, races, or those with physical or mental disabilities. 

Adult Education Grants:

These types of education grants refer to the extension of funds to qualified adults who wish to continue their education at a higher institution of learning. Adult education grants may be issued by a particular educational institution, a community organization—such as a charity–, private citizens, or a government entity. In the majority of instances, adult education grants are paid directly to the school where the adult student is enrolled—any funds left over after tuition and fees are fulfilled are made available to the student to help with books and other expenses directed towards the educational process.

There are several types of adult education grants; some are geared towards a particular course of study, such as education, music, business administration, or art. Music education grants typically require some type of credentials on the front end that would indicate that the applicant has the talent to successfully complete a degree program in this specific area. Other forms of adult education grants can be used with a number of different approve degree programs. Past academic performance is also crucial when applying for any type of adult education grants. Similar to a private education grant, adult education grants may also be issued on a need basis. 

How do I get Grant Money for Education?

In most instances, an education grant is a specific amount of money offered to qualified students who are attending post-secondary education programs. The first place to look for information regarding education grants is your local university or college. Contact your admissions counselor, your student financial aid office or your program administrative coordinator. These offices will advise you concerning the different grants available, the application timelines and all supporting documentation requirements. 

In order to receive grant money, you must meet specific application criteria; in general, there are two types of grants: merit based and hardship grants. Hardship grants are offered to help students who are struggling financially, while merit based grants are driven by academic or athletic success, combined with financial need. 

 

Your Guide to Online Education

Your Guide to Online Education

What is Online Education?
Online education or E-Learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching resources, programs and protocol. The communication systems and information, serve as the foundation and the specific media to implement the learning process online. Online education, as a basic term, is predominantly utilized to reference an out-of-classroom learning environment, as well as in-classroom educational efforts that are delivered and expedited via technology. 
Online education is essentially the network-enabled and computerized transfer of knowledge and skills to the coordinating student base. Various online education applications and processes include the following resources or teaching techniques: web-based learning curriculums, computer-based learning programs, virtual classroom devices and digital collaboration. 


Online Education K-12:
Online education, although more prevalent in higher education, is also utilized by public K-12 schools in the United States of America. Although some online education learning environments take place in a traditional classroom setting, the majority of online education students attend classes from their own homes or other locations. In fact, as a result of the mitigated costs and increased effectiveness associated with online education, there a number of states in America that utilize cyber and virtual school platforms. 
As stated before, online education platforms who offer educational resources for K-12 students are rarer but can be engaged as a homeschool-type system. Public cyber schools are offered throughout the country; these schools enable students to log into synchronous or asynchronous courses wherever an internet connection is provided. To implement the online education curriculum, the majority of K-12 e-learning programs provide students with technology kits that include computers, printers and compensation for home internet use.
Students enrolled in these programs are required to use this technology for school use only and must meet the weekly work submission requirements handed-out by the providers. Those teachers employed by K-12 online public schools must obtain certification in the state they are teaching in. The most notable benefit of an online education K-12 is that students are able to maintain their own pacing and progress, as well as their own course selection. These characteristics provide the student with great flexibility in regards to schedule and curriculum creation.
Online Higher Education:
By 2010, nearly 5 million students were participating in online education at institutions of higher learning in the United States. A number of higher educations, for-profit institutions will now offer on-line classes. Although these numbers dissipate when evaluated in the private sector, the availability of online courses is now becoming commonplace for many private institutions.
Online courses for higher learning are made available for students enrolled in such institutions who have priorities, such as work or families, which impede them from attending the traditional classroom setting. All online education courses offered at an institution of higher learning must have properly trained staff that is available to work with the students through a technology-based medium. These staff members are required to understand the content area and must also be highly trained in the use of the computer and Internet. 

Distance Education Council Explained

Distance Education Council Explained

What is the Distance Education Council?
The Distance Education Council is a government organization based in New Delhi, India primarily responsible for the promotion and coordination of the distance education system and Open University program, as well as for the determination of its standards in the nation of India.
The Distance Education Council was officially constituted under the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act of 1985. As an organization, the Distance Education Council is consistent with the duty of the University structure, which is responsible for securing and promoting all steps as it may deem appropriate for the promotion of the Open University premise.
 In addition to promoting these programs, the Distance Education council is required to coordinate and determine various education standards of India, including evaluation and research in all education systems, teaching facilities, the effectiveness of teachers and in pursuance of the educational objects at the University level, to encourage greater diversity accessibility, mobility, flexibility and innovation in education at the University level.
The Distance Education Council aims to achieve these goals and satisfy these responsibilities by making full use of the most innovative and latest scientific knowledge and new educational technology. By using these innovative and evolved forms of teaching, the Distance Education Council also further coordinates and solidifies relationships between the universities in New Delhi. 
What is Distance and Open Education?
Distance education or distance learning, is a distinct area of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology to ultimately deliver educational resources and teaching–most often on an individual basis–to students who are not able to physically attend a traditional classroom.
What is the Indira Gandhi National Open University?
The Indira Gandhi National Open University is a national university headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi, India. Named after a former Prime Minister of India, the Indira Gandhi National Open University was established in 1985, when the Parliament of India passed the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act of 1985. As a school, the Indira Gandhi National Open University is the largest school in the world, with over 3,000,000 students currently enrolled.
The school was founded to impart education through the means of a distance and open education, to offer higher education opportunities to the disadvantaged segments of society and to encourage, as well as coordinate standards for distance and open education in the country.

What are The Focuses of Environmental Education

What are The Focuses of Environmental Education

 

What is Environmental Education?

Environmental education is an organized effort to teach about how natural ecosystems or environments function and more specifically, how human beings can manage their behavior in order to promote healthy and stable living. Environmental education, as a term, is typically used to imply educational efforts within a school system, from primary to post-secondary, in order to teach humans about the environment and particularly, how our actions affect the ecosystem.

In a broader sense, however, environmental education is sometimes used to include all efforts to educate the public and other audiences through the use of non-traditional educational mediums, such as the delivery of print materials, media campaigns and websites. 

Environmental education is a teaching/learning process that aims at increasing an individual’s knowledge and awareness concerning the environment and associated challenges. Environmental education aims to develop necessary skills and expertise to address environment-related challenges, through the obtainment of attitudes and commitments to produce informed decisions and take responsible action. 

The Focus of Environmental Education:

Environmental education focuses on the following subjects:

Environmental education aims to boost awareness and sensitivity concerning the environment and changes to the environment.

Environmental education aims to increase knowledge and understanding concerning the environment and its challenges

Environmental education aims to bolster our attitude concerning the environment; the teaching platform aims to maintain environmental quality

Environmental education offers skills to help mitigate environmental problems collaborating with education lawyer.

The field of study provides participation organizations to exercise existing knowledge and environmental related programs. 

Environmental Education in the United States:

In the 1980s, several non-governmental organizations that previously focused on environmental education, continued to evolve and grow; the number of teachers implementing environmental education in their respective classrooms greatly increased throughout the subsequent decades. As the field became more popular in a localized sense, environmental education gained stronger political backing.

The field bolstered its effectiveness when the United States Congress passed the National Environmental Education Act of 1990, which positioned the Office of Environmental Education in the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency and allowed the EPA to create and subsequently provide several environmental education initiatives at the federal level. 

In the school system, environmental education is considered an additional or elective subject in the traditional K-12 curriculum. At the elementary school level, the field can the form of science enrichment subjects, community service projects, natural history field trips and loose participation in science schools.

Public schools have the ability to integrate the subject matter into their respective curricula through the aid of sufficient funding from environmental education policies. By utilizing this approach, a school will effectively place environmental education into the core subjects; as a non-elective, environmental education will not take time or resources away from other important subjects, such as music or art. 

In a secondary setting, environmental education can take the form of a focused subject within the sciences or as a part of elective student clubs. At the undergraduate or graduate level, the subject can be considered its own specified field within education, environmental science and policy, ecology or environmental studies. 

 

Department of Education Awards 51 Grants for Veterans

Department of Education Awards 51 Grants for Veterans

On September 28, 2012, the US Department of Education declared that $14,392,377 was awarded to 51 different Veterans Upward Bound projects across the United States.  The Department of Education estimates that 6,831 can use the grants.  

 
According to the Department of Education, the projects mainly help young, low-income military members.  The veterans can use the grants to adjust between military life and civilian life while increasing their education to forward their career.  
 
The Department of Education states that while the grants provide education in all core subject education, the grants also provide refresher courses, tutoring, help with entrance exams, help with financial aid, personal counseling, networking, and more.  
 
U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, stated, “No group deserves our support for opportunities to learn and advance their knowledge and skills more than our veterans.  These Upward Bound Veterans grants will help prepare our returning veterans for college by providing the academic instruction, mentoring and guidance they need to succeed in college and in life.” 
 
The Veterans Upward Bound is part of the Upward Bound program that was started in 1972.  The program is one of three similar programs under the Upward Bound program, and four other programs provide student services.  The programs are listed below: 
 
Education Opportunity Centers
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement
Student Support Services
Talent Search
Training Program for Federal TRI programs
Upward Bound Math and Science
 
The Department of Education reports that the Veterans Upward Bound program has help a total of 5,780 veterans since 2007.  The new wave of grants will ensure that veterans receive the education they deserve for serving the country.  
 
Source: Department of Education

American Indian and Alaska Native Students Receive $2M

American Indian and Alaska Native Students Receive $2M

On October 5, 2012, the Department of Education announced that four competitive grants were awarded to tribal education agencies (TEAs).  The grants were issued under the State Tribal Education Partnership (STEP) program, and the four grants equal about $2 million collectively.  

The U.S. Department of Education announced that the grants will help increase educational opportunities to American Indian and Alaska Native students while addressing their cultural needs as well.  

According to U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, “We have a profound obligation to ensure that all children, including American Indian and Alaska Native students, have the opportunity to receive a 21st century education.  Tribal leaders, teachers, and parents are best-suited to identify and address the needs of their children, and tribal communities deserve to play a greater role in providing American Indian and Alaska Native students with the tools and support they need to be successful in school and beyond.”  

The U.S. Department of Education reported that tribal officials constantly noted the lack of opportunities for tribes to directly participate in the education of the children.  As a result of the concerns, the Obama Administration made a proposal in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to increase the authority of TEAs.  

The STEP program will help TEAs and state educational agencies work together.  The funded projects will give TEAs the authority to perform several state-level functions at public schools located on trial lands.  The grants will continue for three years, and the yearly amounts are provided below:

•    Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho will receive $451,481
•    Navajo Nation Diné Department of Education in New Mexico will receive $357,347
•    Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma will receive $739,246
•    Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon will receive $385,436

Source: U.S. Department of Education

College Major May Mean Millions over Career

College Major May Mean Millions over Career

 

On October 10, 2012, the Census Bureau released data from the 2011 American Community Survey (ACS) that saw significant differences in annual earnings between different college majors.  Two different ACS reports compared results between majors.  
 
The Field of Degree and Earnings by Selected Employment Characteristics: 2011 explains the relationship between bachelor’s degrees, annual earnings, and the chance of full-time employments.  The report stated bachelor’s degrees in engineering saw the highest median earnings—about $92,000 in 2011.  Degrees in performing arts, communications, education and psychology saw median annual earnings of $55,000 and below.
 
Science, engineering, and business degrees had the most full-time employment as well.  About 64 percent of business majors work full time, while only half of literature and language majors were employed full time.  
 
The Work-Life Earnings by Field of Degree and Occupation for People With a Bachelor’s Degree: 2011 examined the relationship between the amount of schooling and how much money a person would make over their lifetime.  The general consensus: get a college degree.  
 
People with less than high school education only make an average of $936,000 during their lifetime while those will professional degrees will make about $4.2 million.  Engineering majors with a bachelor’s degree who are in a management position will earning about $4.1 million, while service workers with an art of education major will make about $1.3 million over their lifetime.  
 
The following results were also reported in the reports: 
engineering, computer, math, science, business, physical science, and social science majors have the highest average work-life earnings
liberal arts majors now working in computer or mathematical occupations have median work-life earnings around $2.9 million, and liberal arts majors in office support occupations have average life-work earnings around $1.6 million
education majors are most likely to work for government entities in 2011, while engineers are the most likely to work in the private sector
 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau