Functional Statements > Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Sections

1. Mission and Responsibilities
2. Organization
3. Order of Succession
4. Functions and Responsibilities of OESE Components
   1. Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary
   2. Impact Aid Programs
   3. Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs
   4. Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs
   5. School Support and Technology Programs
   6. Office of Migrant Education
   7. Office of Indian Education
5. Primary Delegations of Authority

I. Mission and Responsibilities

The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education serves as principal adviser to the Secretary on all matters related to elementary and secondary education. The Office directs, coordinates, and recommends policy for programs designed to:

• Assist State and local educational agencies to improve the achievement of elementary and secondary students and to assure equal access to services leading to such improvement for all children, particularly children who are economically disadvantaged, Alaskan Native, or children of migrant workers.
• Strengthen the management capabilities of State educational agency personnel and foster educational improvement at the State and local levels.
• Provide financial assistance to local educational agencies whose local revenues are affected by Federal activity.
• Provide financial assistance to States to assist with comprehensive education reform efforts at State, local, and district levels.
• Assist State and local educational agencies in the process of school desegregation. Provide information and support to educators, policymakers, and leaders to ensure that all students leave high school with an academic grounding, and the skills to obtain employment in furtherance of America's future.
• Provide information and support to educators, policymakers, and leaders to ensure that students receive high quality instruction in math and science, and to ensure that high schools use research-based methods to teach math and science skills and measure student progress.
• Assist elementary and secondary teachers in improving the quality of their teaching.

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II. Organization

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, who reports to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education provides overall direction, coordination, and leadership to the following major elements:

Impact Aid Programs;
Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs;
Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs;
School Support and Technology Programs;
Office of Migrant Education and
Office of Indian Education.

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III. Order of Succession

In the event that the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education dies, resigns or is otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office, and the office is thereby deemed to be vacant, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and State Technical Assistance shall temporarily perform the functions and duties of the office in an acting capacity.

In instances where the office is not vacant, but the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education is absent, the following officials, in the order shown, shall perform the functions and duties of the office:

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and State Technical Assistance;
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives;
Chief of Staff; and
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Planning.

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