What are the differences between state and federal education laws?

State and federal education laws both serve to ensure that students in Washington receive quality education, but there are some key differences between the two. State laws are created by the Washington legislature and focus on specific aspects of education for students in the state. They focus on areas like curriculum requirements, student assessment, and school funding. For example, state laws may dictate the core subjects that must be taught in each grade, such as Washington state’s “Learning Standards” which includes subjects like math, science, and social studies. Federal education laws, on the other hand, are created by the United States Congress. Federal laws typically focus more on broad principles, such as protecting civil rights and ensuring equal access to education. For example, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides protections for students with disabilities and outlines the specific educational resources that must be provided to them. State and federal education laws also differ in how they are enforced. Since state laws are created and enforced within the state, the state has more control over the enforcement of their education laws. Federal laws, however, can only be enforced by the federal government, which means that state governments may not be able to enforce them as strictly as state laws. Overall, state and federal laws are both important in ensuring that students in Washington receive quality education. Although the two differ in their focus and enforcement, they both serve the same purpose of providing educational opportunities for students.

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