When Lexi Koehl began her research on federalism and education policy, it started as an honors component for her Political Science course.
As the project developed, however, it became clear that her work addressed timely and meaningful issues with lasting relevance, especially for educators entering the field today.
Koehl, a Special Education major, focused her research on a foundational question in education: To what extent should the federal government be involved in education when it is traditionally a state responsibility?
Her study examined how federalism has influenced education through key legal precedents and federal policies that continue to shape state-level education systems.
“Education has always existed at the intersection of state authority and federal oversight,” Koehl said.
By analyzing Supreme Court cases and federal mandates, she explored how shifts in governance have affected schools over time and how those decisions continue to impact classrooms today, particularly within special education.
The project became especially meaningful as Koehl connected policy decisions to her future career. As an aspiring special education teacher, she recognized how legal rulings and federal requirements directly shape services for students with diverse learning needs.
“Conducting this research helped me better understand the legal foundations of my field,” she said.
Through her research, Koehl found that debates over federal involvement in education are longstanding and ongoing.
While there is no single solution, she emphasized the importance of examining historical court cases to inform thoughtful and balanced decision-making. She concluded that educators must be lifelong learners who remain aware of policy changes to best support their students.
Koehl cited narrowing the scope of her research as the most challenging part of the process, noting that the abundance of information initially felt overwhelming. With guidance from her faculty mentor, Arielle Cassiday, she learned how to refine her focus and organize her work effectively.
Ultimately, the experience reinforced the values of patience, passion and mentorship in the research process, skills Koehl will carry with her as she prepares to enter the classroom and advocate for students through informed, reflective teaching.
