The mission of the Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. It engages in four major types of activities:
- Establishes policies related to federal education funding, administers distribution of funds and monitors their use.
- Collects data and oversees research on America's schools.
- Identifies major issues in education and focuses national attention on them.
- Enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in programs that receive federal funds.
See An Overview of the U.S. Department of Education for more detailed information.
The Guide to U.S. Department of Education Programs provides an overview each program administered by the Department.