Final answer:
U.S. education policy balances citizenship development with job training, reflecting values of opportunity and global competitiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Education policy in the United States today is characterized by a dual focus: facilitating the development of responsible citizens capable of governing society, and providing practical job training to maintain a competitive workforce. While education is traditionally a state and local responsibility, with funding and quality dependent on location, historical and contemporary issues demonstrate the national government's involvement in ensuring educational equality and access. These policies reflect the national values of equality of opportunity and the interest in remaining globally competitive.