Education: who should have control?

What is the link between education and government control?

Collage of pages from the “Education: who should have control?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 23 May 2025

About this lesson

The level of government control over education systems differs across countries. In April, Donald Trump announced plans to cut federal funding to Harvard University following a dispute over how the university is managed.

How much control should a government have over education? And – if not the government – who should make the big decisions?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Explore how education systems differ around the world
  • Consider the role governments should play in shaping education
  • Discuss what makes an education system fair and effective

Skills and knowledge

  • Listening

    Step 1: I listen to others and can remember short instructions
    Did you listen to the discussions in your group and follow instructions
    on the posters?

    Step 2: I listen to others and can ask questions if I don’t understand
    Did you listen to different rules and ask questions to your group if you
    didn’t understand?

    Step 4: I listen to others and can tell why they are communicating with me
    Did you listen to different ideas from people standing at the different points in the room?

  • Knowledge

    I know President Donald Trump disagreed with Harvard over the way the university is run. I know that governments around the world have different levels of control over education
    What is an example of an education system around the world?

Available downloads

Create an account or log in to access resources for this

Create account Login

Related resources

View all resources