Question

In an address to the nation, the president proposed expanding the federal government’s role in early childhood education by making "high-quality preschool available to every single child in America." The proposal outlined a plan that would give federal matching dollars to states that provide preschool funding to families earning up to 200 percent of the poverty level. The plan would also expand federal funding for toddler and infant care for working families. This proposal was designed to build on the successes of state programs that expanded government funding for early childhood education in states such as Alabama, which had recently approved a $12.5 million increase in its early childhood program.

a) Describe the role of Congress in the context of the scenario.
a) To review and approve state budget allocations for early childhood education
b) To propose federal funding for preschool programs
c) To legislate and pass laws related to early childhood education
d) To implement and oversee state-level early childhood programs

Answer 1

The role of Congress in the context of expanding early childhood education is to legislate and pass laws related to education, including appropriating federal funds. Congress's actions have historically shaped programs like Head Start and encompassed major legislative changes like NCLB.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Congress in Education Policy

Within the scenario outlined, the role of Congress is integral to the expansion of early childhood education, as it involves legislative duties. The president's proposal to enhance the federal government's role in providing high-quality preschool necessitates legislative action from Congress to become effective. The specific role of Congress in this context is to legislate and pass laws related to early childhood education, which includes appropriating federal funds to support these initiatives. It is also the responsibility of Congress to allocate federal matching dollars to states that furnish preschool funding. While the implementation and oversight of state-level programs are generally managed by state governments and relevant agencies, Congress provides the legal framework and necessary funds for these programs through legislation.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is an example of federal legislation that significantly amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) with widespread effects on education. Similarly, the Head Start program, a cornerstone of early childhood education for low-income children, was established following legislative action influenced by findings such as those in the Coleman Report.

Throughout history, federal involvement in education has grown, reflecting national priorities and policies. Beginning with President Lyndon Johnson's initiatives in the 1960s as part of the War on Poverty, and continuing with various subsequent legislative acts, Congress has consistently played a key role in shaping the educational landscape of the United States.

Answer 2

Congress's role is to legislate and pass laws regarding early childhood education, including the review and potential approval of federal funding proposed by the president.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of Congress in the context of the scenario is to legislate and pass laws related to early childhood education. While the president can propose federal funding and initiatives, it is the responsibility of Congress to carefully review, debate, and pass legislation that will enable the funding and expansion of these programs. This includes possibly amending, approving, or rejecting the president's proposal and finding ways to finance it, often through the appropriations process. Once legislation is passed, the executive branch, through agencies such as the Department of Education, is responsible for implementing and overseeing the programs at the state and local levels.