The Department of Education: A Comprehensive Review of Its Impact and Future

Founded over four decades ago, the U.S. Department of Education was created to refine and enhance the nation’s school system. However, with political leaders such as President-elect Donald Trump expressing intentions to dismantle the agency, a fresh examination of its role offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on its impact on test scores, graduation rates, and federal funding.

The Birth of the Department of Education

The Department of Education was officially established in 1980, following the passage of the Department of Education Organization Act by Congress during former President Jimmy Carter’s administration. The agency was designed to set policy, administer, and coordinate federal assistance to educational institutions across the country. Despite its mission, the Department has faced opposition, particularly from Republican lawmakers, since its inception.

The Debate: Federal vs. Local Control

As America’s educational landscape has evolved, so too has the discourse around the Department’s necessity. Trump’s proposed dissolution of the agency raises questions about whether schools would benefit from localized control rather than oversight from Washington. This debate reignited discussions over the balance of power between federal and state governments in education.

Declining Test Scores: A Troubling Trend

Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has highlighted a concerning decline in test scores among 13-year-olds—a trend that some attribute to systemic failures within the federal education framework. Reportedly, math and reading scores have dipped to their lowest levels in decades.

Evidence suggests that while the Department does not directly oversee student performance, it mandates standardized testing in schools. According to ACT data for 2024, the average U.S. composite score has significantly declined since the 1990s, where it hovered around 20.8, to a current average of 17.2 in Nevada, the lowest in the nation. National Center for Educational Statistics Commissioner Peggy G. Carr commented on the sobering results, noting that the decline predates the COVID-19 pandemic, which many initially blamed for falling scores.

Federal Involvement: A Double-Edged Sword

Proponents of a federal education agency argue that the Department ensures expertise in educational policy that supports student learning. Clare McCann from the Postsecondary Equity & Economics Research Center stresses the importance of in-house expertise at the Department, emphasizing that its civil servants are seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of educational matters.

Conversely, critics such as Lindsey Burke of the Heritage Foundation assert that federal efforts to improve education have largely failed, contending that local communities are better positioned to make educational decisions tailored to their unique needs. This highlights the ongoing controversy over the efficacy of federal involvement in education.

Shifting Focus and Spending Trends

Throughout its early years, the Department implemented stringent requirements to allocate funds to schools, promoting initiatives like the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Fast forward to the present, recent reports indicate that the Biden administration has allocated over billion towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 education—an investment that critics argue distracts from essential educational priorities.

Such debates reignite discussions regarding the purpose of federal funding in education, with calls from various stakeholders to rethink how these resources are deployed. Neal McCluskey from the Cato Institute proposes that funding should be turned back to states, allowing local leaders to determine distribution based on regional needs.

Graduation Rates: Progress Amidst Challenges

While test scores may illustrate disparities in student learning, graduation rates present a more optimistic picture. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that the average graduation rate for public high school students reached 87% in the 2021-2022 school year—a substantial increase when compared to 78% in the early 1970s and only 72.9% in 1982, shortly after the Department’s establishment.

This upward trend suggests that while challenges remain, certain aspects of the educational system have made significant strides, possibly hinting at the positive impacts of federal initiatives aimed at increasing graduation success.

Technological Advancements and Curriculum Changes

Technology has significantly shifted how education is delivered, with digital platforms replacing traditional teaching methods. While the Department of Education does not legislate curriculum, it influences standards through various funding mechanisms, including in STEM education, reflecting the changing dynamics in educational priorities.

However, a stirring controversy exists around parental involvement in curricular content, particularly regarding discussions on sensitive topics such as gender identity. Events across the country have seen parents advocating for greater transparency, revealing a divide in educational approaches that influence curriculum decisions.

Voices for Reform

As the discussion about the future of the Department of Education intensifies, figures like David Kanani from Los Angeles ORT College advocate for reform rather than abolition. Kanani emphasizes the need for the Department to maintain quality and consistency across educational institutions, especially in STEM, asserting that such areas are critical for national security and competitiveness.

As Trump prepares to enter office, the call to reform rather than eliminate the Department resonates with various stakeholders. Andrew Clark, president of advocacy group Yes. Every Kid., advises a path towards constructive redesign of the education system, cautioning against abrupt changes that would disrupt services for those dependent on the existing framework.

The Road Ahead: Congressional Action Required

To effect any changes in the Department of Education, Trump will require congressional approval—a task that may prove complicated. With Republicans currently holding majorities in both the House and Senate, there is a potential avenue for new legislation addressing the agency’s structure and mandate.

In conclusion, the future of the Department of Education remains a contentious issue within American politics. The historical context of its formation, alongside current debates over funding priorities and local control, presents a complex landscape that national leaders must navigate while seeking to improve education for all students.