This chapter provides a historical review of U. S. education policy from its earliest inception to the present day with a focus on policy developments in the 21st century that have influenced the growth and development of online and blended education and those that we can foresee will have the greatest impact moving forward. Twenty-first century policies are synthesized into themes of Online and Distance Learning, Accountability, Innovation and Reform, and Teacher Preparation. This chapter contains updates from the previous edition primarily with the addition of the impact of ESSA and the 2017 National Educational Technology Plan on online and blended learning. Other updates include federal and state legislation that applies to K-12 online and blended learning, updates in annual reports such as reports from the National Educational Policy Center, and updates in applicable federal grants and initiatives.