The Evolving Federal Role in Education: Past, Present, and Future

The federal No Child Left Behind Act—the latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965—is central to many education policy debates today. But the origin of this groundbreaking law, its structure, and the expansion of the federal role in education since the law's enactment are important to today's debates, yet often overlooked.

This Education Sector event brought together leaders who have shaped ESEA on Capitol Hill to discuss how the federal role in education began, how it's changed, and what this important history means for accountability debates today and in the future.

This event featured:

Christopher T. Cross, education consultant and a former assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of Education

Samuel Halperin, Founder and Senior Fellow, American Youth Policy Forum

Jack Jennings, President and CEO, Center on Education Policy

Kati Haycock, President, Education Trust

Fritz Edelstein, Principal, Public Private Action, (introductions)

Andrew J. Rotherham,  Co-director, Education Sector, (as moderator)