Domestic Policy EDUCATION

Domestic Policy Decisions, laws, and programs made by the government which are related to issues in the country. IMPACT: It directly impacts society because it’s related to issues in the country. It affects the people a lot.

Social Programs Programs set up by the government to fix a certain problem in the US. IMPACT: Social Programs also impact society a lot. A social program could impact some people in good ways and others in bad ways.

Issues involved with Education School Choice Paying For Reforms (NCLB) Federal Pell Grant Program

School Choice One version: involves issuing government coupons, vouchers, to parents to help them pay for education at private or religious schools. Some voucher programs allow taxpayer money to underwrite private school tuition and it does not interfere with constitutional separation of church and state.

What’s the problem? Voucher opponents say it goes against the spirit and the letter of the constitutional separation of church and state. They urge legislators to properly fund public schools, not give tax-payer money away to religious schools. Parents say they don’t have a choice because those schools don’t accept all the applicants. It benefits wealthier parents the most.

Proponents say… In some communities public schools are failing children. It gives low income families help to send children to private schools. They say that voucher systems help fulfill America’s promise of equal education opportunity. Can force problem public schools to improve or lose students and funds. Should worry about whether, not where a student is being educated.

Impact Society: – Positively because it allows lower income families to send their kids to better, expensive schools. – Negatively because it is taking money away from public schools that probably need it more.

Opinion I think tax-payer money should only go to public schools which would help make them better. If parents decide that they want to send their kids somewhere else then they can pay for it. Free schooling is offered to them so

Paying for reforms What’s the problem? No Child Left Behind was a good attempt but was challenging for schools to keep up Required new curriculum materials, training, tutoring programs, school choice programs, and tests- all require money. Some schools even say money wouldn’t be enough.

Proponents say… Federal government spends more on education now then ever Schools need to spend less time complaining and focus on using their money effectively. Schools could cut extra activities if necessary to ensure students can read, write, and compute Testing makes sure that students were actually ready for the future.

Impact Society: – Has a huge impact, it helps go towards our country having a well-educated future, but if there’s not enough money or teachers it’s hard to make work. Government Institutions: – States are lowering standards to satisfy NCLB. – Costs government money

Opinion I think that NCLB is a good idea but it should be changed a little or there would need to be more funding.

Federal Pell Grant Program Serves more then 5 million students each year. 13 billion dollar program Gives college tuition to middle class families, and does have to be repaid.

What’s the Problem? Faced rising demand Had budget problems despite increased funding from congress Was reformed in 2005 and saved government around 300 million by correcting the outdated formula and showing the right family disposable income

Society says… Opponents: Legislator’s need to increase funding to help more families It creates self-sufficient workers and benefits economy. Proponents: determining grants must be adjusted to keep the money going to the neediest students.

Impact Society: – I think it is really good for society because it gives students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to, afford to go to college, but it costs a lot for the government and the demands are rising. Government Institutions: – Costs a lot of money for government

Opinion I think the Pell Grant program is good but that they should just give it to the people who really need it most.

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