Former President Donald Trump talked with Elon Musk on X Monday evening, repeating much of what he has said over the last nine years, including a plan to shut down the US Department of Education, turning total control of public schools over to each state.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2024
“Not every state will do great,” he said to Mr Musk. “Of the 50, I would bet that 35 would do great.”
This echoes some of the 900-plus pages in the “Project 2025” outline. The document is essentially a Heritage Foundation plan Democrats have aggressively promoted as a blueprint for Mr Trump should he win.
The remainder of the show was unremarkable regarding education policy or plans and generally less exciting than Mr Trump has made such events in the past.
Editorial
First of all, Mr Trump, there are more than 50 education agencies under the US Department of Education (ED), and many would not do fine without the federal department’s support. To suggest that the loss of quality education in 15 states is somehow acceptable and that the federal government shouldn’t do everything possible for the students in those 15 states is absurd. Let’s consider a few things about the US Department of Education you clearly don’t understand.
Policy Development and Implementation: The ED is responsible for developing national education policies and ensuring their implementation across states. This includes policies on equal access, special education, and educational equity.
Grant Distribution and Financial Aid: The ED administers federal funding programs, such as special education grants and Pell Grants for college students. In addition, federal funding through programs like Title I and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is critical for ensuring that schools serving disadvantaged populations can meet their students’ needs. These funds are crucial for supporting schools and students who need additional resources and must be guaranteed with the full backing of the federal government.
Civil Rights Enforcement: Through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the ED ensures that students are not discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. This is key to providing equal educational opportunities to all students. By setting and enforcing policies that promote equal access to education, the ED helps ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed. The enforcement of civil rights in schools helps to create inclusive environments where all students can learn without fear of discrimination.
Data Collection and Research: The department collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on American schools. This information is vital for tracking progress, identifying areas that need improvement, and informing policy decisions. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a part of the ED, plays a central role. The ED plays a key role in holding states and schools accountable for student outcomes through initiatives like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which requires states to develop accountability systems.
Support for Educational Innovation: The department supports innovation and improvement in education through initiatives like charter school programs, STEM education grants, and funding for research and development in educational practices. By promoting research and innovation, the ED helps to develop and disseminate effective educational practices, driving improvement in teaching and learning.
Teacher and School Leader Support: The ED provides resources and professional development opportunities to teachers and school leaders to improve teaching quality and educational leadership.
Standardizing Educational Quality: Through national assessments, data collection, and policy implementation, the ED helps to set and maintain consistent educational standards across states, which is crucial for ensuring that students nationwide receive a high-quality education.
Addressing National Educational Challenges: The ED can respond to national educational challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing guidance, resources, and support to schools, ensuring continuity in education.
In summary, the US Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education by providing resources, enforcing standards, and promoting equity and innovation across the nation’s schools.
Photo by Jim via Flickr Creative Commons
