If a school becomes too dependent on federal help for education, that can also be bad. "Once federal programs and initiatives are set into law, states form their systems around the federal rules. As states depend on a higher government for funding of programs, lack of funding to these programs create problems for states " (Duncan). States are required to continue with providing programs even without federal funds, so most states are encouraged to accept the funding and construct their educational teaching around the rules given by the federal government. .
This Department was also created for many other purposes. A few other reasons are, to strengthen the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual, to encourage involvement of the public, parents and students, to promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through federally supported research, and to improve the coordination of Federal education programs.
The Department of Education executes a number of federal programs to improve education levels and assure quality of education. Most of the programs grant money to support education to the states or directly to students. Three of the major programs are, Pell Grants, Title I Grants, and IDEA Grants. Pell Grants are "provided to students who exhibit a significant financial need for funding to attend college" (Calhoun). Pell Grants do not have to be paid back, and one can receive a Pell Grant for each year they attend a post-secondary institution. Title I Grants "provide financial assistance to local education agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards " (Title I). Title I Grants are intended to add to state and district funds. Schools that receive Title I Grants are supposed to involve parents in deciding how funds are spent.