The Future of American Education: Rethinking the Department of Education

Declining Test Scores: A Symptom of a Failing System

As former Education Secretary Bill Bennett highlights, math and reading scores among 13-year-olds have plummeted since 2012, reaching their lowest levels in decades. Critics argue this decline is a glaring indictment of the Department of Education's effectiveness.

"Federal government efforts to improve education have been dismal," says Lindsey Burke, director of the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy. "The federal government is simply ill-positioned to determine what education policies will best serve the diverse local communities across our vast nation."

Funding: Allocations Under Scrutiny

Proponents of a dedicated education agency maintain that federal involvement aids the system, while many detractors criticize its high cost and questionable impact.

Critics point to the Biden administration's allocation of $1 billion in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grants, which they claim diverts funding from core educational objectives.

"Giving states the funding and allowing its leaders to decide how it is dished out" could be a more effective approach, suggests Neal McCluskey, an education analyst at the Cato Institute.

Graduation Rates: A Mixed Picture

Graduation rates fell after the establishment of the Department of Education, reaching a low of 72.9% in 1982. However, in recent years, rates have rebounded to 87% in 2022, indicating an increase in educational attainment.

Curriculum: Evolving Needs and Controversies

Technological advancements and the changing workforce landscape have transformed school curricula. While the Department of Education does not establish curriculum requirements, local school boards grapple with parental concerns over controversial topics such as gender and sex education.

"The incoming Republican president, however, was not the first to propose the idea," the article notes. Former President Ronald Reagan advocated for eliminating the department to empower local education preferences.

Calls for Reform and Reassessment

Opponents of the Department of Education, led by President-elect Trump, argue that it has outlived its usefulness and impedes educational progress.

However, voices within the education field caution against dismantling the department entirely. David Kanani of Los Angeles ORT College suggests reforming it to enhance collaboration with local systems and prioritize STEM education.

Andrew Clark of yes. every kid. emphasizes the need for thoughtful transitions towards redesigning the education system, rather than abrupt closures that could disrupt students and educators.

The Path Forward: Congressional Approval Required

Trump would require congressional approval to abolish or modify the Department of Education. With Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, such legislation could potentially be passed.