Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities
Summary
This executive order directs the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the Department of Education and return authority over education to the states and local communities. It argues that federal control over education has failed, citing low reading and math scores and the size of the Department's student loan portfolio. The order also mandates that federal education funds be allocated in compliance with federal law and administration policy, specifically targeting programs promoting "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or gender ideology.
Expected Effects
The closure of the Department of Education would significantly alter the landscape of education governance in the United States. States would assume greater control over education policy and funding, potentially leading to diverse approaches across the country. The shift could also impact student loan management and federal oversight of educational standards.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced federal bureaucracy and potential cost savings.
- Increased state and local control over education, potentially leading to more tailored approaches.
- Elimination of federal programs deemed ineffective or misaligned with administration policy.
- Potential for improved program implementation in higher education by transferring student loan management to a more equipped entity.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inconsistent educational standards and resource allocation across states.
- Disruption of existing federal education programs and services.
- Risk of exacerbating inequalities in education based on state and local funding disparities.
- Loss of federal oversight and accountability in education.
- Potential negative impact on students relying on federal student aid programs during the transition.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The order's constitutional alignment is complex. The Constitution does not explicitly mention education, leading to the argument that education is primarily a state responsibility under the Tenth Amendment. However, the federal government's role in education has evolved through legislation and court decisions, particularly concerning civil rights and equal opportunity. The order's emphasis on compliance with federal law and administration policy raises questions about potential conflicts with constitutional principles of equal protection and academic freedom.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).