K–12 Related Government Agencies

Included here are selected government agencies whose activities include a strong K–12 support function. Individual agency Web resources are also included in the appropriate curricula Subject Areas.

United States Government Agencies

Administration for Children and Families (ACF) (Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The ACF is responsible for federal programs which promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. For an overview of the many programs and services sponsored by ACF link to ACF Fact Sheets.

Administration on Aging (AOA) (Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The AOA includes information designed for Older Americans and their families as well as those concerned about providing the opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and support their independence. Included here is information for: Elders and Families, Professionals, as well as The Aging Network.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) (Dept. of Agriculture)

The AMS offers statistics and factsheets on grading/certification, quality standards, industry self-help programs, farmers/wholesale markets, and other topics. Included are lists of consumer-related publications available for AMS.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) (Dept. of Agriculture)

The ARS provides information on research related to the practice of agriculture to meet human nutritional needs and the complex technologies of the agricultural systems. The issues of Agricultural Research Magazine and Food and Nutrition Research Briefs are available as well as links to other agriculture related Web sites.  Explore Science 4 Kids for posters and science project ideas.

American Folklife Center (Library of Congress)

The Center encompass all aspects of folklife from this country and around the world.  It incorporates the Library's Archive of Folk Culture, which was founded in 1928 as a repository for American folk music. Among the Center's publications are A Teacher's Guide to Folklife Resources for K-12 Classrooms and Folklife and Field Work: A Layman's Introduction to Field Techniques. The Center also links to hundreds of organizations and resources in Ethnographic Studies.

America's Library (Library of Congress)

Designed for K-12 students and their parents, this unique site from the Library of Congress presents both "fun" and serious materials from its humanities, social science, and science collections.

Argonne National Laboratory (Dept. of Energy)

"Ask-a- Scientist" and explore other cool stuff or join NEWTON: A Science Bulletin Board for K-12.

Bureau of Economic Analysis (Dept. of Commerce)

This agency serves as the nation's economic accountant, preparing estimates that illuminate key national, international, and regional aspects of the U.S. economy.   Consult the Survey of Current Business for past and present economic statistics.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Dept. of Labor)

Find full-text and statistical data on the labor market, consumers, prices, and living conditions. Read the current issue of Monthly Labor Review, research careers with the latest edition of Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), or investigate the economy of Texas through the BLS Region VI Homepage.

Bureau of Land Management (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)

The BLM manages public land projects and provides information on natural and cultural heritage, restoring lands, the wild horses and burros program, as well as environmental education and teacher resources. Or find out what's happening in the NM, OK, KS, TX region.

Bureau of Public Debt (Treasury Dept.)

Learn about savings bonds, T-bills, and financing the U.S. public debt.

Census Bureau (Dept. of Commerce)

The nation's factfinder provides hundreds of statistical publications online. Search for information by subject using the Census Subjects A - Z, or check out the Census in Schools program.

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), regulates domestic food, imported foods, and cosmetics sold across state lines. This regulation takes place from the products' point of U.S. entry or processing to their point of sale. Program areas include Cosmetics, Dietary Supplements, Food Additives and Premarket Approval, Foodborne Illness, Food Labeling and Nutrition, Imports, Exports, Inspections, Recalls and Pesticides, Metals & Chemical Contaminants.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

The CNPP is the focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American public. Included here are the nutritional guidelines, food pyramids, issues of the Family Economics Review, and more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The CDC tracks diseases, injuries, disabilities, health risks, and develops prevention guidelines and strategies.  Select Data and Statistics for the latest disease surveillance reports, or select the CDC Wonder for an easy-to-use system that provides a single point of access to a wide variety of CDC reports, guidelines, and numeric public health data.

Child Welfare Information Gateway (Children’s Bureau)

Child Welfare Information Gateway promotes the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families by connecting child welfare, adoption and related professionals as well as concerned citizens to timely, essential information. Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provide access to print and electronic publications, websites, and online databases covering a wide range of topics from prevention to permanency, including child welfare, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion, and much more. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Consumer Information Center (CIC) (General Services Administration)

Full-text versions of hundreds of the best federal consumer publications available. View them for free or you can purchase printed copies at the online ordering site.

Consumer.gov

This Internet gateway is a "one-stop" link to a broad range of federal information resources available online. It is designed so that you can locate information by category -- such as Food, Health, Product Safety, Your Money, and Transportation. Each category has subcategories to direct you to areas within individual federal Web sites containing related information.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

CPSC, an independent Federal regulatory agency, helps keep American families safe by reducing the risk of injury or death from consumer products. The site includes information about product recalls & safety news, and Kidd Safety teaches safety tips to children.

Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (CSREES)

CSREES research, extension, and education leadership programs include the extension services offered through state partners like the land-grant universities and youth sponsored programs like the 4-H.

DefenseLINK (Dept. of Defense)

A favorite site for young military history buffs. Link to K - 12 appropriate history materials supported by all service branches.  Explore career opportunities with the Armed Forces.

Department of Education

Principle federal agency responsible for assisting educators, policy makers, parents, students, researchers, and other citizens with a stake in education. Begin by searching for Topics A to Z or explore Publications and Products, or review the latest Research and Statistics.

Department of Energy

Experience DOE's Education Community support for kids and teachers.  Middle School and High School students will benefit from the International Energy Database. Search this detailed database for energy production/consumption statistics and articles organized by country and topic.

Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS)

DHHS supports Healthfinder, a selection of 50 consumer health topics.

Department of State

An important site for information on foreign countries including:  Background Notes on Countries of the World, Country Commercial Guides, and the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  The Department's International Information Program includes InfoUSA  which offers links to electronic journals, textbooks and teaching resources for U.S. history, government and society.  Another IIP program is Foreign Media Reaction, a global round-up of editorials and op-ed commentary from major newspapers, magazines and broadcast media around the world. 

Department of the Interior (DOI)

Explore the DOI Kids' Pages or Teacher Resources section for online science materials.

Department of the Treasury.

This department manages the U.S. government's finances. In addition to information on currency, the agency sponsors The Learning Vault and a special Treasury Kids Page.

Employment and Training Administration (Dept. of Labor)

The ETA mission is to ensure that all Americans have access to the resources they require to successfully manage their job lives, and that U.S. businesses have access to the skilled workers and training resources they need to successfully compete in a global economy. Link to O*NET for information on a comprehensive database system for collecting, organizing, describing, and disseminating data on job characteristics and worker attributes.

Environmental Protection Agency

Select Kids to join the EPA's Explorers Club or choose Students and Teachers for curricula guides and activities.   Use the Index of Watershed Indicators to determine the health of aquatic resources in your area. Then Surf Your Watershed for detailed information on your neighboring watershed indicators.

ERIC: Educational Resources Information Center

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a national information system designed to provide users with ready access to an extensive body of education-related literature.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) (Dept. of Agriculture)

An important site for agriculture education in rural areas where students are seriously considering farming as their life's work. The FSA administers farm support programs and offers the latest articles and news releases on specific programs.

Federal Depository Library Program (Government Printing Office)

A national network of almost 1,300 libraries dedicated to providing all persons with free and equal access to U.S. government information.

Federal Housing Finance Board

The Federal Housing Finance Board is the safety and soundness regulator for the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System, and also ensures that the FHLBanks fulfill their public policy mission of facilitating residential mortgage lending and supporting community and economic development activity in rural and urban communities in partnership with its community-based members.  Find out about current and past mortgage rates by state, metropolitan area, length of loan, and type of loan using the Monthly Interest Rate Survey

Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

The Board of Governors oversees the Federal Reserve System, which serves as the central bank for the United States and supervises the nation's monetary policy. Included here is information about monetary policy, consumer-related topics, selected articles from the Federal Reserve Bulletin, and links to the regional Federal Reserve Banks - including the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank. 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC provides consumer affairs information on a variety of topics including diet, health, and fitness, advertising, and more!

Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)

This agency is works to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats.  Research our nation's wetlands with special links for Educators, and learn about endangered species.  

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The FDA offers several resources useful to health education, including the  FDA Consumer and materials for educators. The Kids Home Page features a Teen Scene, Yorick the Bionic Skeleton, and more.

Food and Nutrition Information Center (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

One of several Dept. of Agriculture information centers, it pulls together publications on dietary and nutritional requirements, healthful eating and food safety guidelines.   Search their Index of Food and Nutrition Internet Resources.

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

FNS reduces hunger and food insecurity in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and needy families access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.   Select Child Nutrition for links to nutrition education materials as well as information on school lunch programs and other support services.

Geological Survey (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)

Here you will find information on geography/mapping and geology as well as biology, water, and more.  Visit the Learning Web, dedicated to K-12 environmental education, exploration, and life-long learning.  You can even Ask-A-Geologist!

HEAD START Bureau (Dept. of Health and Human Services)

HEAD START supports pre-K through grade 1 programs. Check out the Head Start Information & Publication Center for electronic documents and links to other Internet sites supporting early childhood and maternal/child health issues.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

In additional to providing information on federal housing programs like Ginnie Mae and  HUD homes for sale, HUD also provides consumer information on mortgages, home improvements, and renting.

International Trade Administration (Dept. of Commerce)

Dedicated to helping U.S. business compete in the Global Market Place, the ITA provides statistics on regions/countries, industries, and trade. 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Educational Programs (Dept. of Energy)

Experience the Hands-On Universe, an astronomy education program, take the Particle Adventure, an interactive tour of the inner workings of the atom, learn the ABC's of Nuclear Science, view the Lung Tour, and use the award-winning Virtual Frog Dissection Kit.

Library of Congress 

Search through the American Memory Collection of documents, photographs, movies, and sound recordings that tell America's story, research foreign countries with the acclaimed Country Studies, or take advantage of the Learning Page resources for teachers and students.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Education Program (NASA)

Explore the Educator Resource Center Network, NASA for Educators, and many other valuable resources.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

View historic American documents, tour special online exhibits, take advantage of the Digital Classroom social studies materials, and link to the Presidential Libraries.

National Center for Education Statistics

Collects and reports statistics and information showing the condition and progress of education in the United States and other nations in order to promote and accelerate the improvement of American education.

National Center for Health Statistics (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Find the latest vital and health statistics on birth, death, marriage, divorce, disease, health care, and more. 

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (PREVLINE Prevention Online)

Provides information, publications, and grant applications on alcohol and drugs. Search the PREVLINE, prevention online information.

National Climatic Data Center (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

The largest archive of weather data and climate publications. The Educational Activities section provides access to data for science projects, classroom use, or home study. Visually "see" climate data graphically using the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) CLIMVIS system.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

Visit the Features to view the works of current artists or select Writer's Corner to view and read the work of poets, novelists, and playwrights who have received Creative Writing Fellowships.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

NEH supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities. The NEH funds Teaching with Technology Grants, and its Web site provides access to the current issue of Humanities and the latest Medialog catalog of film., T.V., and radio programs supported by the NEH.

National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

Provides environmental data on marine geology, geophysics, paleoclimatology, solar-terrestrial physics, solid earth geophysics, and glaciology. Select the GLOBE Program and participate in environmental observations at or near your school. 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The NIMH provides popular pamphlets and booklets on common health concerns of adolescents including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and various forms of mental illness.

National Institute on Aging (NIA) (Dept. of Health and Human Services)

The NIA promotes healthy aging by conducting and supporting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and public education.

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

National Institutes of Health (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Select Health Information to find the latest information from the CancerNet, AIDs information, Clinical Alerts, and the Women's Health Initiative. Search the Combined Health Information Database to identify the titles, abstracts, and availability of health information and health education resources from sources all over the United States -- and beyond.

National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Explore the Human Gene Map, or view 60,000 Images from the History of Medicine.  Link to the Visible Human Project, which shows anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of the male and female human bodies.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The NLS administers the Library of Congress free library program of Braille and recorded materials circulated to eligible borrowers through a network of cooperating libraries.

National Science Foundation

The NSF promotes the progress of science to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare and to secure the national defense. The NSF makes grants and awards and sponsors programs in all areas of science, math, and engineering education through the Directorate for Education and Human Resources .

National Weather Service (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration)

The NWS is the primary site for U.S. weather-related information and data. Included are current weather information, climate and historical data, as well as weather-related Education and Safety Information.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (Dept. of Labor)

Full-text publications include: Handbook for Small Businesses, and Employee Workplace Rights, as well as all of the OSHA safety standards.

Office of Personnel Management.

Explore federal career possibilities, review the current pay scale and job qualifications, and view the Current Job Openings listed in USAJobs.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

Supports programs that assist in educating children with special needs, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities, and supports research to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Peace Corps

Arrange for a Peace Corps volunteer to visit your class; learn about other Countries and the World Wise School Program of videos, lesson plans, and more.

Sandia National Laboratories

Sandia offers programs and publications for both teacher and student relating to science and math education.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Retrieve basic information on starting, maintaining, and expanding small business enterprises.

Smithsonian Institution (SI)

The SI supports social studies, science, and the arts through its own resources and those of its various museums and zoos. Begin with The Virtual Smithsonian and continue with Museums to identify specific K - 12 materials. Visit museum exhibits online and experience the virtual National Zoo through its Animal Web Cams.

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) (Dept. of Education)

SEDL is the regional education laboratory serving Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. SEDL conducts applied research and development, delivers training, and provides technical assistance to K-12 educators and decision makers.

Thomas (Library of Congress)

Research Federal legislative information on the Internet.

United States Central Intelligence Agency

Select CIA's Home Page for Kids to enter the "Kid's Secret Zone" for interesting history facts on famous people, an illustrated geography quiz, as well as an explanation of aerial reconnaissance photography from the pigeon, "Harry Recon."  Or select CIA Publications for full-text versions of important CIA documents like the World Factbook, as well as catalogs of CIA maps. (The CIA Map collection is available electronically from the Perry-Castañeda Library Electronic Maps of General Interest Collection.)

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Although the Museum is not strictly an official federal agency, it was created by an act of Congress and is located adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.  The Museum produced Education materials that can be used to learn more about the Holocaust. Some of these are directed particularly at teachers, but most are of general interest.  Included is The Holocaust Learning Site for Students   with text, historical photographs, maps, images of artifacts, and audio clips to provide an overview of the Holocaust.

White House

Explore the White House For Kids pages with Socks the Cat and Buddy (his faithful companion); discover the history of the presidency, the First Families, and valuable information about the democratic process.

Women's Bureau (Dept. of Labor)

The Women's Bureau is the single unit at the Federal government level exclusively concerned with serving and promoting the interests of working women. Central to its mission is the responsibility to advocate and inform women directly and the public as well, of women's work rights and employment issues. Here you can find information on women in non-traditional occupations, research statistics and data on women and men in the workplace, or consult one of the factsheets on women in the workplace.

State of Texas

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Connect with the Resources for Educators (K-12) or find out about state-wide environmental programs, publications, and policies.

Texas Commission on the Arts

The Commission sponsors the TCAnet (Texas Cultural & Arts Network).

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

The Comptroller offers the Texas Business Advisor. Here you will find information that will help you start your business, cope with regulations, and expand your markets.

Texas Dept. of Agriculture

Check out Lone Star Consumer Tips for statistics, marketing, and agricultural program information.

Texas Dept. of Health

The mission of the Texas Department of Health is to protect and promote the health of the people of this state.

Texas Dept. of Information Resources

The IR is responsible for the state's strategic plan to provide government information and services to the public.

Texas Dept. of Family and Protective Services

Handles all child protective services, adult protective services, and licensing activities for child-care facilities and child-placement agencies.

Texas Education Agency

Coordinates all public education activities and services, except those of colleges and universities.

Texas Governor's Office of Human Resources

State career information and opportunities.

Texas Historical Commission

Preserves Texas' architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks.

Texas Legislature ONLINE (Texas Legislature)

Search bill text, updated laws, the Texas Constitution, and research information on members of the Legislature.

Texas Regional Education Service Centers

Connect to each of the 20 ESC homepages through this site directory sponsored by the TCET at UNT.

Texas Parks and Wildlife

TWP's mission is to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Connect to the Outdoor Kids Network for places to go and things to do relating to Texas wildlife and outdoor activities. Or select Outdoor Learning for ideas to bring Texas into the classroom.

Texas Secretary of State

The Secretary is responsible for authenticating the publication of Texas laws and the publication of executive agency rules and regulations. Select "Functions of the Office" to search the Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Register for items related to schools, school children, and teachers in Texas. In addition the Corporation Section provides Business Organization Forms as well as links to other state agencies providing services to both large and small business.

Texas State Board for Educator Certification

Responsible for setting standards for teacher certification in Texas.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Commission works to ensure that all Texans have the library resources and services, the archives and records, and the government information that they need to be educated and informed, in order for them to lead productive lives and participate effectively in civic affairs. Included are links to state agencies, library resources, as well as historical and archival materials.

Texas Workforce Commission.

Provides support for employers and workers.  Investigate Training Opportunities, or search for jobs.

Texas Youth Commission

Protects and rehabilitates troubled juveniles as well as researching the prevention of delinquency.

Texas Universities

High Plains Regional Technology in Education Consortium (HPR*TEC) (Texas A & M University. College of Education)

The HPR*TEC sponsors collaboration with other educational institutions in Texas, thus leveraging existing training resources throughout the region. HPR*TEC has a strong representation of special education resources and a history of development of Web based tools.

Institute of Texan Cultures (UT-San Antonio)

A university educational center dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the history and diverse cultures of Texas through exhibits, programs, and publications that encourage acceptance and appreciation of our differences as well as our common humanity.

McDonald Observatory (UT-Austin)

The Observatory offers educational resources for the beginner or more advanced student of astronomy.  Link to the StarDate Online, a periodical featuring educational and stargazing tips for the daily and monthly night sky in Texas.

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (Texas A & M Univ.)

The Experiment Station conducts research programs that support the state's agricultural and natural resource industries and ultimately Texas consumers.

Texas Center for Educational Technology (University of North Texas. College of Education)

Promotes R & D collaborative programs between industry and education which integrate technology applications into public school systems.

Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (Texas A & M Univ.)

Provides support for literacy projects in Texas through grants and information on national literacy resources, including Internet links.

Texas Cooperative Extension Service (Texas A & M Univ.)

A self-styled humble Web site supporting the 4-H, gardening, and other consumer-related information.

University Interscholastic League (UIL) (University of Texas at Austin)

The UIL sponsors a comprehensive literary and academic competitive program including 36 individual activities. More than a half million students participate in UIL contests. Major divisions include Academics/Speech/Drama, Administration, Athletics, or Music.

University of Texas Center for Reading and Language Arts

Create a literacy lab (otherwise known as a Reading Club) using a document designed by the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin.  In addition, you can glean other information from this site such as professional development for pre-service and inservice teachers, professional resources on the Internet, and how some Texas teachers are putting the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills into practice.