Policymakers at the
Federal, State, and Local Levels
Ramirez and Bell (1994) describe the responsibilities of policymakers:
"Federal, state, and local policymakers must lead the way by providing the necessary resources, although there are many questions they will have to ask themselves in doing so. For instance, equity and funding are examples of issues that are usually considered to be confounding ones for education. However, high standards will affect all students. All students will need appropriate resources and equal opportunities to reach those standards. It is therefore the responsibility of government, at every level, to make it possible for traditionally underrepresented populations to afford and have access to technology that can help them achieve those standards. Government policy must lead the way--through regulations and policies that minimize rather than exacerbate existing inequities--in making these resources available where they are most needed. Only in this way can their benefits reach all students." (p. 82)
