Who established the Department of Education as we know it today in 1979?

The establishment of the Department of Education as we know it today in 1979 was a significant milestone in the organization of federal education policy in the United States. Jimmy Carter, who was the President at that time, signed the legislation that created the Department. This move positioned education as a distinct federal responsibility, allowing for a more coordinated approach to educational policy and administration, which aimed to enhance and unify the educational framework across the nation.

The creation of the Department of Education represented a shift towards a federal acknowledgment of the importance of education in national policy, reflecting Carter's broader goals of improving access and quality in education for all Americans. This department was responsible for overseeing education-related federal funding, ensuring equal access to education, and promoting educational excellence, which underscored the administration's commitment to these ideals.