The Department of Education plays a crucial role in ensuring that the federal government provides consistent and effective support for improving the nation's public education system. Any effort to destroy the Department of Education represents a threat to core functions of the nation’s public education system that could wreak untold havoc on the 90% of American children who attend public schools. Regardless of the outcome of President Trump’s wrong-headed effort to dismantle the department, critical federal educational programs that serve all students and bolster learning for students most in need must continue uninterrupted.
States and localities rely on bedrock federal education programs to support low-income students (Title I), provide services for students with disabilities (IDEA), and uplift teacher quality and school leadership (Title II-A). Reducing or terminating any or all of these programs would lead to a significant curtailment of essential services for students and educators across wide swaths of the country. It also would cause a financial burden shift from the federal government to state and local governments, leading to higher taxes.
Programs like Title I, Title II and other essential federal initiatives must be maintained, even if transferred to different agencies. Title I, which supports schools serving low-income students, is critical to closing achievement gaps. Its funding must continue to support disadvantaged schools and ensure that these students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Title II, which focuses on improving teacher quality and school leadership, is also indispensable for raising educational standards and student outcomes. Supporting educators and school leaders must remain a top priority, even if this responsibility shifts to agencies like the Department of Labor.
Equally important are programs like Title III, which focuses on English language acquisition and bilingual education, and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which provides crucial services for students with disabilities. These programs help ensure that all students, regardless of their background or individual needs, have equal access to quality education.
Career and technical education (CTE) programs, which are essential for preparing students for the workforce and equipping them with the skills needed for a competitive global economy, must also be preserved. If the Department of Education is dismantled, CTE programs should be integrated into other agencies focused on workforce development, such as the Department of Labor, to ensure that students continue to receive the training and opportunities needed to succeed in the modern workforce.
We urge Congress to step in and stand firm in its commitment to public education by ensuring that the Department of Education and its vital federal programmatic resources are preserved. The future of our children and the strength of our nation depend on it.
