Reexamining the Federal Role in Higher Education: Politics and Policymaking in the Postsecondary Sector

The book explores the U.S. government's extensive and indispensable relationship with higher education, analyzing its role in regulating, financing, and influencing the sector. It examines the evolution of the government's role, the activities of specific governmental branches and agencies, and prospects for the future. Chapters cover a range of policies, including nondiscrimination, student financial aid, educational quality, campus crime, research, intellectual property, and student privacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

The federal government's complex and multifaceted relationship with higher education has evolved over time, becoming an indispensable aspect of the U.S. education system. This comprehensive book delves into the historical, legal, and policy dimensions of this relationship, exploring the various ways in which the government regulates, finances, and influences higher education.

Drawing from a wide range of sources, including constitutional law, social science research, federal policy documents, and original interviews with key policy insiders, the author provides a detailed account of the U.S. government's role in higher education. The book examines how the government's involvement in higher education has evolved over time, the activities of specific governmental branches and agencies that affect higher education, the nature of the government's role in higher education today, and prospects for the future of federal involvement in higher education.

Chapters in the book delve into a diverse range of topics, including the politics and practices that shape policies affecting nondiscrimination and civil rights, student financial aid, educational quality and student success, campus crime, research and development, intellectual property, student privacy, and more. Each chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of the issues at hand, providing insights into the complex interplay between federal and nonfederal policy actors and their impact on higher education.

One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to situate higher education policy within the broader constitutional, political, and historical contexts of the federal government. The author highlights the ways in which the government's power and authority have been expanded over time, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare. This analysis provides a valuable perspective on the historical roots of contemporary higher education policies and helps readers understand the complex interplay between federal and state governments in shaping the educational landscape.

In addition to its analytical content, the book also includes case studies illustrating the profound effects federal policy processes have on the everyday lives of college students, their families, institutions, and other higher education stakeholders. These case studies provide a humanizing perspective on the policymaking process and highlight the real-world consequences of federal policies on higher education.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the federal government's relationship with higher education. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the issues at hand, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between federal and nonfederal policy actors and their impact on higher education. Whether you are a student, educator, policymaker, or simply interested in the field, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the federal government's role in higher education and its potential for shaping the future of education in the United States.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807766774