In the latest episode of USA Today’s The Excerpt podcast, host Dana Taylor and Congress reporter Zach Schermele delve into the significant changes happening within the Department of Education under President Donald Trump’s administration. As the Trump administration intensifies efforts to dismantle the agency, recent actions aim to redistribute several core functions to other federal agencies, ultimately affecting millions of students nationwide.
Late last month, the Education Department announced six interagency agreements that facilitate the transfer of responsibilities related to key educational programs, such as Title I funding and special education administration. This shift is made possible by a ruling from the Supreme Court allowing the integration of education programs with those overseen by the Department of Labor. As this reassignment unfolds, Secretary Linda McMahon is working to transition multiple divisions—including those overseeing K-12 education and higher education—into agencies such as the Department of Interior and Health and Human Services.
While this transformation is ostensibly designed to streamline operations, many have raised concerns over whether agencies like Labor and Interior possess adequate infrastructure and resources to manage these newfound responsibilities effectively. Following a contentious government shutdown that previously saw education staff laid off, families, educators, and students are apprehensive about the implications of these changes.
Among the most pressing concerns is the future of Title I funding, which provides essential financial support to low-income school districts. As funding allocations for Title I have already encountered delays, activists express worry that the transfer of oversight could exacerbate administrative issues affecting students’ access to necessary resources. In terms of special education, the Office of Special Education Programs had faced layoffs during the shutdown, leading to anxieties regarding the support available for students with disabilities. There’s ongoing speculation about the possibility of relocating special education oversight to the Health and Human Services Department.
Turning to student loans, Schermele clarified that the Federal Student Aid Office, responsible for managing a significant portion of federal student loans, remains unaffected by the recent restructuring. This continuity should provide some reassurance to current borrowers and incoming college students applying for federal aid through the FAFSA.
The episode also touches upon the historical context of the Department of Education’s establishment in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, primarily aimed at ensuring equitable access to education amid substantial disparities at the state and local levels. Secretary McMahon’s belief in the efficacy of breaking up the department’s functions raises further questions about the potential output for educational equity moving forward.
As this pivotal period unfolds, discussions on the ramifications of these changes—including stability for education programs and continued support for underserved communities—will be essential. Stakeholders and advocates alike will be closely monitoring how these transformations impact the landscape of education in the United States, as the administration’s vision continues to take shape amid ongoing legislative challenges.