the United States Department of Education

The United States Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency responsible for overseeing the nation's education policies, programs, and funding. Its primary goal is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education across all levels, from elementary to higher education. The department provides financial aid for college, supports research and innovative practices, and enforces laws that protect students' rights. While it doesn't run schools directly, it helps guide education standards and distributes resources to schools, states, and communities to improve educational opportunities nationwide.