The Critical Role of Federal Government in Education Reform

Trump and McMahon do not know how federal and state governments are integral to public education. This system supports about 50 million students in K-12 and more than 13 million in public colleges.

President Jimmy Carter’s administration helped establish the Federal Department of Education. Ever since conservative politicians have gone out of their way to dismantle it. Ronald Reagan was the first to go after it. Now, we have Donald Trump and his crony Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. Trump signed an executive order to “begin eliminating” the Department of Education.

This is one of the dumbest ideas proposed by Trump 2.0. State and federal governments play crucial roles in the public education system in the United States. As stated above, more than 60 million students, such as K-college, are enrolled in public schools. Neither Trump nor McMahon knows how federal and state governments are integral to public education. They have a prejudiced outlook on public education. Their conservative buddies want to destroy public education by stealing public money to fund charter schools. My blog discussed evidence that public schools outperform charter schools in the USA.

The Trump administration fails to recognize key government roles. The state government manages day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, the federal government provides support through funding, national programs, and policy recommendations. The states control curriculum standards and teacher certification. Federal authorities oversee national emergencies. They also offer financial assistance to school districts (see Findlaw for more details).

I have written extensively on K-12 education. I examined it through the lens of conservative and progressive worldviews shaping it in the United States. I have also written and experienced the effects of federal agencies on K-12 education, teacher education, curriculum development, and research.

Why Federal Role in K-12, College, and University is Vital to Public Education

The following is a discussion of the federal role in K-12 education. It also covers the federal role in colleges and universities. This was before the Trump administration fired half of the department’s employees. Trump’s executive order calling for dismantling the Department of Education was signed last week. Trump and McMahon have a plan to dismantle the Department of Education. They don’t have the authorization to do this. The authority rests with the Congress. It’s time for Congress to prepare for the onslaught.

Role of the federal government in educational reform

The federal government’s role in education reform has evolved and continues to be debated. Here are some key aspects of the federal government’s involvement in education reform.

1. Funding and Grants:
   • The federal government provides funding and grants to support education reform initiatives. Programs such as Title I funding support disadvantaged students. Special education funding is provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Competitive grants like Race to the Top have been instrumental in driving reform efforts. The Race to the Top was an unfortunate aspect of Obama’s education effort led by Secretary Duncan. I’ve written critically about the race. I followed the money in Georgia’s Race to the Top to reveal the project’s objectives.
   • Federal funding helps to address disparities in educational resources and opportunities, particularly for low-income and undeserved communities.
2. Accountability and Standards:
   • The federal government sets accountability standards to ensure that states and school districts meet educational goals. Under NCLB and ESSA, states must develop accountability systems that include standardized testing, performance metrics, and interventions for low-performing schools.
   • The Common Core State Standards were not directly mandated by the federal government. However, they were supported through funding and incentives. This influenced states to adopt these standards.
3. Research and Data Collection:
   • The federal government conducts research on education practices and policies. It supports these efforts through agencies such as the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). It also works with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This research provides valuable data and insights to inform education reform efforts.
   • Data collection and reporting requirements help to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement in education systems.
4. Civil Rights and Equity:
   • The federal government ensures educational equity and protects civil rights. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. It also prohibits discrimination based on sex, disability, and age in educational programs and activities.
   • Federal initiatives aim to close achievement gaps, promote inclusive education, and support marginalized and underserved student populations.
5. Innovation and Best Practices:
   • The federal government promotes innovation and shares best practices in education. They support these goals through initiatives like the Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund. Another program is the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. These programs support the development and scaling of effective educational practices and interventions.
   • Federal support for technology integration, STEM education, and personalized learning helps to advance modern educational approaches.
6. Support for Teachers and Leaders:
   • The federal government supports teacher and leader development through the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grants and the School Leadership Program. These initiatives aim to improve teacher preparation, professional development, and school leadership capacity.
   • Federal policies also address teacher evaluation, recruitment, and retention to ensure a high-quality educator workforce.
7. Emergency Response and Recovery:
   • The federal government plays a role in responding to emergencies and crises that impact education. These include natural disasters, pandemics, and economic downturns. Federal aid and relief programs help schools and districts recover and continue to provide education to students.
   • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the federal government’s role in providing emergency funding. It also provided guidance and support for remote learning. Additionally, it ensured safe school operations.
8. Advocacy and Public Awareness:
   • The federal government advocates for education reform and raises public awareness about key issues in education. National campaigns, public statements, and policy initiatives help to highlight the importance of education and mobilize support for reform efforts.
   • Federal leadership can influence public opinion and drive collective action to improve education systems.

The federal government plays a significant role in education reform. However, it is essential to recognize that education is primarily a state and local responsibility. States and school districts have the authority to implement federal policies. They can adapt these policies to meet the unique needs of their communities. Collaboration between federal, state, and local entities is essential for meaningful and sustainable education reform.

The Department of Education must be maintained and supported, not dissolved. Let our members of Congress know.