ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role and importance of public education in the community as well as some of the issues in public education that could be addressed in community research. It discusses the sociological and economic importance of education to the community. Public education has been viewed as the primary formal means of socialization in the community and society at large. The form and commitment of the educational program can also influence the values and aspirations of the local youth. Investments in human capital, as any other capital investments, are important to the local economy. The provision of public education involves substantial amounts of manpower and financial resources. The quality of the public education system has also been linked to the vitality and growth of a community. Despite the legal responsibility of the states to provide public education, only one state currently administers education at the state level.
