The Department of Education Organization Act was enacted in 1979 to establish the U.S. Department of Education as a separate federal agency. This act aimed to consolidate various education-related functions and programs that were previously scattered across different government entities. The creation of this department was intended to enhance the federal government's role in education and improve coordination among various educational initiatives. The act also outlined the responsibilities of the Department of Education, including administering federal education funding, collecting data on schools, and ensuring equal access to education. By centralizing these functions, the act sought to promote educational excellence and support state and local education systems in their efforts to improve student outcomes.