How Schools Work
- 1.
For the 2012-2013 school year, what is the projected national average per pupil that was spent?
- A.
$2,456
- B.
$5,768
- C.
$11,810
- D.
$15,878
Correct Answer
C. $11,810Explanation
For the 2012-2013 school year, the education system is projected to spend more that $591 billion, with spending per individual pupil averaging $11,810 nationally. State averages for per-pupil spending on FY2011 ranged from $6,326 (Utah) to $20,791 (District of Columbia).Rate this question:
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- 2.
In 2011, state and local governments provided what percentage of education funding?
- A.
38.4%
- B.
54.2%
- C.
67.8%
- D.
87.5%
Correct Answer
D. 87.5%Explanation
State and local governments provide the vast majority of public school funding, about 87.5% in FY2011.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was originally passed in what year?
- A.
1962
- B.
1965
- C.
1971
- D.
1980
Correct Answer
B. 1965Explanation
The U.S. Department of Education's ability to influence education policy and practice is actually very limited by both the US Constitution and its governing legislation, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), originally passed in 1965.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The US Department of Education was established in what year?
- A.
1954
- B.
1965
- C.
1976
- D.
1980
Correct Answer
D. 1980Explanation
Since the U.S. Department of Education's establishment as a stand-alone agency in 1980, policymakers and the public have been embroiled in a debate about the appropriate federal role in education.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is a formula grant?
- A.
A grant that is awarded through a review, scoring and ranking process.
- B.
A grant that is based on demographic characteristics of the recipients.
- C.
A grant with no stipulations for how it can be spent.
Correct Answer
B. A grant that is based on demographic characteristics of the recipients.Explanation
Formula grants are awarded to states or school districts through states, based on specific demographic factors. One of the U.S. Department of Education's s best-known (and, at over $13 billion, its largest) formula grant programs is Title I, which provides funding to cover the extra costs associated with educating low income students.Rate this question:
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- 6.
This is typically regulated at the state level.
- A.
Graduation requirements
- B.
Teacher evaluation standards and guidelines
- C.
Time requirements for certain subjects, such as physical education
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Public education is primarily a state responsibility and the authority for education is relegated to state governance structures, which vary widely from state to state. These laws, policies, and administrative codes affect a range of issues, generally including: education goals and standards; graduation requirements; teacher certification standards and professional development requirements; assessment programs and other accountability measures to ensure that school districts and schools perform at acceptable levels; teacher evaluation standards and guidelines; days or hours required for students per school year;school closure in the event of a public health emergency; and time requirements for certain subjects, such as physical education.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many chief state school officers are appointed by the state board of education?
- A.
13
- B.
25
- C.
32
- D.
36
Correct Answer
B. 25Explanation
Twenty-five chief state school officers are appointed by the state board of education, 17 are appointed by the governor (or in DC's case, the mayor), and 12 are elected on partisan or nonpartisan ballots.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Charter schools:
- A.
Do not receive public funding.
- B.
Are sometimes run by foundations.
- C.
Must still abide by all state and local rules, policies and regulations.
- D.
May not be run by a for-profit institution.
Correct Answer
B. Are sometimes run by foundations.Explanation
A charter school is a school run independently of the traditional public school system but receiving public funding, often run by groups such as teachers, parents, or foundations, and in some cases for-profit businesses. Charter schools are exempt from many state and local rules, policies and regulations, but their charter must be approved by a public entity, often a local or state board of education.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Race to the Top grants were funded at the federal level:
- A.
Through an annual appropriation authorized by Congress.
- B.
As a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
- C.
Through a special White House discretionary budget.
- D.
As a block grant to states.
Correct Answer
B. As a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.Explanation
Race to the Top is a U.S. Department of Education program authorized as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, it provided $4.35 billion for the The Race to the Top Fund. This competitive grant program eventually awarded grants to 12 states.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The Constitution does not specifically provide federal authority for education.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Although the U.S. Constitution does not specifically provide federal authority for education, the U.S. Congress can pass laws that impact education and school by providing specific authority for federal agencies through the authorization process, as well as providing funding through the appropriations process.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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May 21, 2014Quiz Edited by
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May 06, 2014Quiz Created by
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