National Education Policy Update

February 10, 2025

Dear Readers,

It's been a while since our last update, and we've missed connecting with you. Today, we're diving into a topic that's a bit different from our usual focus on academic achievement. With significant changes on the horizon in education policy, we felt it was important to provide you with an overview of the pending executive order affecting the U.S. Department of Education. Let's explore what this could mean for our schools and communities.

Headline

President Trump Eyes the U.S. Department of Education: What's the Plan?

President Trump is reportedly gearing up to scale back the U.S. Department of Education's role, aiming to hand over more control to states and local communities. This proposal has ignited a nationwide debate on the future of federal involvement in education.

Top Policy News (Lead Story)

Decoding President Trump's Proposed Executive Order on the Department of Education

President Trump is preparing an executive order intended to reduce the functions of the U.S. Department of Education, with the goal of decentralizing federal control over education. The Department, established in 1979, plays a crucial role in distributing federal funds, managing financial aid programs, and enforcing civil rights regulations in education.

What Can the President Do Unilaterally?

While the President can't single-handedly abolish the Department of Education—that would require congressional approval—he can issue executive orders to reduce its scope and influence. Potential actions include:

• Reallocating Responsibilities: Transferring certain functions of the Department to other federal agencies or directly to state governments.

• Altering Funding Priorities: Redirecting discretionary funds toward initiatives like school choice programs, thereby reducing the Department's direct involvement in public education.

• Modifying Regulatory Enforcement: Changing how existing education laws are interpreted and enforced, which could impact areas such as civil rights protections and standardized testing requirements.

Possible Outcomes

• Without Congressional Support: The Department would continue to operate, but with potentially reduced capacity and influence, depending on the extent of the executive actions taken.

• With Congressional Support: If Congress agrees to dismantle the Department, its essential functions would need to be reassigned to other entities to ensure continuity in federal education support and oversight. This feels like a bigger hurdle but with the Republicans controlling both branches of Congress and the White House it’s not out of the question.

Major Federal Funding Streams to Public Schools

The Department of Education administers several key funding streams that support public schools:

• Title I Grants: Provide financial assistance to local educational agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families.

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Funds: Support special education and related services for children with disabilities.

• Pell Grants: Offer need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education.

These programs are vital for supporting disadvantaged students and ensuring equal access to quality education. Any changes to the Department's structure could have significant implications for these funding streams.

Quick Rundown of Other National Education Policy Updates

• Executive Order on School Choice and Curriculum Content: President Trump signed an executive order promoting school choice and directing the Department of Education to cut off federal funding for public schools that incorporate certain concepts related to race in their curriculums.

• Investigation into Title IX Violations: The Department of Education announced investigations into potential Title IX violations at San Jose State University and the University of Pennsylvania following controversies involving transgender athletes.

• House Democrats Denied Entry into Education Department: On February 7, 2025, House Democrats were prevented from entering the Department of Education building, highlighting tensions between the legislative and executive branches over the proposed changes.