How Is the Department of Education Organized?
The secretary of education leads the Department and promotes public understanding of the Department’s goals and objectives. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the secretary is the principal advisor to the president on federal policies, programs, and activities related to education in the United States. The secretary is nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. The deputy secretary and the under secretary aid the secretary in the overall management of the Department. In addition, the secretary appoints an assistant secretary to oversee each of the eight program offices (see list below). The Office of General Counsel provides legal services to the secretary and other Department officials, prepares regulatory documents, and coordinates the regulatory review process. The Office of the Inspector General audits and investigates Department programs and operations in order to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The Office of Public Affairs supports the secret
