As we approach the next political administration in America there is talk about the potential abolishment of the Department of Education. Since its inception under the Carter administration there have been some attempts to end its existence, even under the Reagan Administration. However, it does take an act of Congress to abolish the department and it did not pass under that administration.
The rationale as I understand it is to hand education over to each individual state to manage. Currently, the Education Department disburses Title I funds to elementary and secondary schools with large low-income student enrollments; collects data on schools; oversees the recognition of accrediting agencies and programs that support higher education institutions; protects students against racial and sex-based discrimination; and manages student financial aid assistance programs, including loans and grants.
The department awarded about $114.1 billion in federal loans, grants and work-study funds in fiscal year 2023 to more than 9.7 million college students, according to the most recent Federal Student Aid annual unaudited report.
About 12% or 13% of the money used for students with special needs comes through federal IDEA funding. If the Education Department is dissolved, this money would go to states as block grants, but the federal accountability for compliance would probably disappear.
Students from low-income families receive help through Title I of the ESEA. During fiscal year 2022, $15.6 billion was allocated for Title I funding. This money is typically used for educational technology, remedial instruction materials, internet and mental health services, among other things.
Similar to the IDEA, Title I funding would initially move to block grants if the Education Department were dissolved. Such a move would likely result in a difficult transition with significant confusion at the state and district level, resulting in delays or failures in getting money where it should go. This could also hurt test scores, attendance and graduation rates, student behavior and engagement.
It appears that significant changes will be on the horizon concerning the education of our children and teenagers. If funding streams continue from the federal government, it may be that states can manage the funding more effectively. However, if this is a strategy to reduce or even discontinue funding for those students who are disabled or marginalized, then this could be a change that will make it more difficult for schools to meet their needs and help them become successful in their educational journey.
It is my hope that the changes will allow each state to utilize funding and block grants to more effectively meet the needs of our students who have some special needs. I believe we should be aware and concerned about the predicted changes as we learn the extent of their impact. It is clear that there will be attempts to change our United States Department of Education. Our children, regardless of their life conditions, are our future, and we need to handle them with sensitive care. As advocates for children we should be in dialogue with our national leaders to insure that they are protected and preserved since they cannot speak for themselves.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
