The future of the U.S. Department of Education is uncertain as the Trump administration considers significant changes to its structure. This comes at a time when the department has faced criticism for its effectiveness in improving education despite increased funding over the years.
Established in 1979, the Department of Education’s budget has grown dramatically, from $14 billion to approximately $100 billion today. However, it only contributes about 8 to 10 percent of the funding for K-12 education. The new Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, has raised concerns that much of this funding does not directly support classroom instruction. The administration’s initial steps included cutting half of the department’s bureaucratic staff, with discussions about potentially abolishing the department entirely.
Supporters of the department argue that it plays a crucial role in addressing educational disparities. However, data suggests that progress has been minimal. For instance, international assessments show that the U.S. ranks 16th in science, 9th in reading, and a concerning 34th in mathematics, trailing behind countries that spend less on education. Domestically, issues like functional illiteracy remain persistent, with rates unchanged since 1979.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the department’s challenges. Extended school closures, guided by the department, disproportionately affected low-income and minority students, resulting in significant learning losses. Studies indicate that students lost over half a year of learning in math and a quarter of a year in reading during this period.
Despite the increasing budget and the department’s efforts, critics argue that more money has not equated to better educational outcomes. They point to a growing number of bureaucratic positions, which have shifted resources away from teachers and classroom instruction. In 1960, teachers made up nearly 65 percent of public education employees, but by 2022, that number had dropped to 47.5 percent.
As the debate continues, some believe it is time to rethink the federal role in education. They advocate for empowering states and local communities to take charge of their educational systems, rather than relying on federal mandates that may not fit every local need. The future of the Department of Education remains a hot topic, with many awaiting the administration’s next move.