The governance of public schools is rather complex issue that incorporates various government entities at the federal, state and local levels. Added to the mix are a variety of organizations and special interest groups that have an impact on what is taught, how it is taught, to whom, and under what circumstances. In recent times, schooling has become highly politicized. However, this is not new. To understand how this happens, this lecture will examine the structure of public education in the United States and how it has evolved. Dr. Carol A. Bartell is Dean and Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School of Education at California Lutheran University. She also served as Interim Dean at several Cal State Universities. She has taught at every level of education, from preschool to doctoral students, working in six states during her long career. She has served in a state policy role at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and held appointments on many state and national organizations and advisory boards. Her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is from Virginia Tech. The Fifty and Better program was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.