The U.S. Public Education System

Civics State and Local Governments The U.S. Public Education System
Students learn that states—not the federal government—are responsible for public education. Next they read a state constitution section on education and restate it in their own words. Then they diagram how schools receive financial support from the federal, state, and local governments, and they learn what bonds are. Finally, they take a stand on a state referendum affecting public education.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for The U.S. Public Education System:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Engage


Overview

In this experience, students learn that states—not the federal government—are responsible for public education. Next they read a state constitution section on education and restate it in their own words. Then they diagram how schools receive financial support from the federal, state, and local governments, and they learn what bonds are. Finally, they take a stand on a state referendum affecting public education.

Objectives

  • Identify the roles of local, state, and federal government in providing public education.
  • Explain how public schools are funded.


three kids at desks

Students in a public school classroom


According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are over 50.4 million students attending U.S. public schools in close to 100,000 schools, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. This system of public education costs about $11,000 per student, on average. In this experience, you will learn how local, state, and federal funds combine to support public education in America.

Objectives

  • Identify the roles of local, state, and federal government in providing public education.
  • Explain how public schools are funded.


What do you think is a source of funding that pays for these public schools? State your answer in a word or short phrase.

Post your answer

Discuss student responses. Do not correct misconceptions at this point. Tell students that they will learn about funding sources in this experience.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in State and Local Governments Unit.
Civics State and Local Governments The State Legislative Branch
The State Legislative Branch
Civics State and Local Governments Local Government
Local Government
Civics State and Local Governments State Judicial Branch
State Judicial Branch
Civics State and Local Governments State and Local Governments: Unit Review
State and Local Governments: Unit Review
Civics State and Local Governments The Constitution of Florida
The Constitution of Florida
Civics State and Local Governments The State Executive Branch
The State Executive Branch
Civics State and Local Governments The U.S. Public Education System
The U.S. Public Education System
Would you like to preview the rest of this learning experience, and get access to the entire functioning Civics MS course for your classroom? Sign up using your school email address below.
Back to top