Equal Educational Opportunity and Accountability. A Review of U.S. Educational Policy since World War II

This article describes US educational policy from post World War II until the present. Educational policy is viewed as a mirror of the political, social, and economic events of the US during each period discussed. Two dominant themes are repeated as US educational policy has progressed through the years; that is, that (1) schools are viewed as places where equal educational opportunities should be provided to all; and (2) schools must be held accountable to the public for the academic achievement of the children who are educated there. This review concludes with the finding that with the increase of policies which advocate market forces, equal educational opportunity for all children has decreased. Accountability has remained an essential component, with accountability originating in the market choices.