With the election of the 47th United States President, Donald J. Trump, changes to the government landscape are imminent. In the first few weeks since he was sworn in as president, he has already signed a myriad of Executive Orders and made a host of changes to how government departments spend federal funds. On his campaign trail, one of his consistent promises was to send “education back to the states,” and possibly dissolve the federal U.S. Department of Education. In fact, on January 23, 2025, President Trump already cut Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the department, a step that shows he is standing firm to change how education is handled federally.
While dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education would require congressional approval, experts say it is a possibility in the Trump administration. Regardless, sweeping changes in education are expected in the next four years. If the department were officially eliminated, its responsibilities would be redistributed to state governments and other federal agencies. Here’s a detailed look at how this process might unfold and its potential impacts:
Shift of Responsibilities to States
If the U.S. Department of Education were dissolved, the biggest change would be the redistribution of funding to state governments and possibly to other federal agencies. The primary responsibility for education policy and administration would transfer from the federal government to individual states. This decentralization could lead to varied educational standards, funding levels, and policies across the country.
Standards and Accountability
States would assume full responsibility for setting educational standards, defining curricula, and measuring student outcomes.
- This could lead to a patchwork of education systems with varying quality, as wealthier states might invest more in their schools while poorer states may struggle to maintain funding and quality.
- Federal standards, such as those introduced under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which ensure some degree of consistency, would no longer apply.
- States with differing priorities might prioritize local or ideological considerations over national competitiveness.
Potential Benefits
- States could tailor education policies to their unique demographics, cultures, and economies.
- Local control might allow for greater innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
Challenges
- States with limited administrative capacity or funding could face significant hurdles in managing education systems.
- Inequities could grow as wealthy states invest in high-quality education systems while poorer states fall behind.
Impact on Federal Funding Programs
Programs currently managed by the Department of Education, such as Title I funding for low-income students and special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), might be reduced or eliminated. This could disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income students who rely on these resources. Here’s a deeper look:
Title I Funding for Low-Income Students
Title I provides financial assistance to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families. This funding helps schools implement programs to close achievement gaps and ensure all students meet academic standards. Without the Department of Education to administer these funds:
- States would need to take over responsibility for managing and distributing these funds.
- There could be inconsistencies in how funds are allocated, with some states prioritizing low-income schools and others potentially redirecting the funds elsewhere.
- Schools in already underfunded areas might see further declines in resources, exacerbating educational inequities.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA provides federal funding to support students with disabilities, ensuring access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The absence of federal oversight could lead to:
- Unequal access to resources for students with disabilities across states, as not all states have the same commitment or capacity to fund special education services.
- Reduced enforcement of legal protections under IDEA, leaving parents and advocates with fewer avenues to address grievances.
Rural and Underserved Schools
Federal funding programs often prioritize rural and underserved schools to address geographic inequities. The dissolution of the Department of Education could lead to:
- Reduced federal support for these schools, which might lack the local tax base to make up for the loss.
- Increased disparities between urban and rural education systems, potentially harming rural economies in the long term.
Enforcement of Civil Rights Protections
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Education enforces laws that prevent discrimination in schools based on race, gender, disability, and other factors in educational institutions. Should the Department of Education be dissolved, this responsibility might shift to the Department of Justice, leading to less specialized oversight in education. States would need to establish or expand their own civil rights offices, but enforcement could become inconsistent and less rigorous across the nation.
Impact on Vulnerable Students
Protections for marginalized groups, including students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students of color, might weaken without a federal entity to ensure compliance.
Student Loan Administration
The federal student loan program, which provides financial aid to millions of college students, is managed by the Department of Education. Its dissolution could lead to uncertainties regarding the management and distribution of federal student loans, possibly affecting access to higher education for many students.
Pell Grants and Federal Financial Aid
The Department of Education oversees Pell Grants and federal financial aid programs, which support millions of college students annually. If the department is dissolved:
- Responsibility for these programs could be shifted to state governments or privatized, which might lead to reduced funding and higher barriers to access.
- Administrative confusion could disrupt the delivery of aid, delaying payments or eligibility determinations for students.
- College affordability could worsen, particularly for low-income students who rely heavily on these grants to pursue higher education.
Educational Research and Innovation
The Department of Education funds research and innovation in teaching methods and educational technology. Eliminating the department could result in decreased support for such initiatives, potentially hindering progress in educational practices.
Grants for Innovation and Teacher Training
Federal grants for teacher training, professional development, and classroom innovation would likely be curtailed or eliminated:
- Programs aimed at addressing teacher shortages, improving STEM education, and supporting mental health initiatives could lose funding.
- Teachers in underfunded districts might face additional challenges in accessing professional growth opportunities.
Dissolving the Department of Education could destabilize funding streams critical to educational equity and access. States would face immense pressure to fill the gap, and without a federal entity to ensure consistency and fairness, the most vulnerable students—those from low-income families, students with disabilities, and those in underserved areas—would be at the greatest risk of being left behind.
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Monet Hendricks is the blog editor and meme connoisseur for Social Studies School Service. Passionate about the field of education, she earned her BA from the University of Southern California before deciding to go back to get her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. She attended the graduate program at Azusa Pacific University pursuing her post-grad Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis and currently works as a School Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. Her favorite activities include traveling, watching documentaries on mental health, and cooking adventurous vegetarian recipes.