State governments have several key responsibilities with respect to public education, including:
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Establishing Education Policy: States set policies that govern the educational system, including curriculum standards and educational goals.
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Funding Public Education: States are responsible for allocating funding to public schools, which includes establishing funding formulas and providing state-level financial support.
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Licensing and Certification: States regulate the certification and licensing of teachers and educational administrators to ensure quality education.
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Oversight and Accountability: They monitor public schools and districts to ensure compliance with state education laws and regulations and hold schools accountable for student outcomes.
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Establishing School Districts: States create and oversee school districts, which are responsible for administering public schools within designated geographic areas.
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Setting Standards for Student Assessment: States develop and implement standardized assessment tests to evaluate student performance and school effectiveness.
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Implementing Federal Education Laws: States are responsible for enforcing federal education laws and regulations, such as those related to special education and civil rights.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, state governments play a critical role in shaping the structure and quality of public education within their jurisdictions.