What Does The Department of Education Actually Do?
TIMELINE & LINKS/RESOURCES
00:00 Introduction and Content Warning
00:44 Frustration with Current Events
01:35 The Importance of the Department of Education
06:37 Understanding the Department of Education
08:40 Misconceptions and Clarifications
17:46 The Impact of Abolishing the Department of Education
24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
You can find writer and advocate, Mariana Hernandez, on Substack and Facebook
TIME article: The Real Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education
Century Foundation article: How Gutting the DOEd Would Hurt Students and Their Families
What Does The Department of Education Actually Do?
Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s been causing much frustration, confusion, and anxiety: the uncertainty surrounding the Department of Education. Warning: colorful language ahead as I dive deep into this emotionally charged subject.
The Frustration Unleashed
Launching this podcast in January, I had laid out a detailed content plan. But as I sit here in April, I find myself derailed by the ongoing tumult prompted by political maneuvers—primarily from the Trump administration—that threaten to upend the educational landscape as we know it. It frustrates me endlessly, dealing with misinformation that sows discord among parents and educators.
Understanding the Department of Education
Instead of airing the episode planned for this week, I’m dedicating this space to unpacking what the Department of Education (DOE) truly represents. Created in 1979, the DOE amalgamated various educational efforts under a single entity to distribute funding, especially for disadvantaged students, and enforce civil rights laws in schools. Its importance cannot be underestimated.
Many perceive the system as flawed, yet dismantling the DOE isn’t the panacea. Our decentralized educational system is imperfect, tasked with overseeing fifty states with thousands of school districts. However, it’s the DOE that holds essential roles such as enforcing civil rights, distributing funds to underfunded schools, and supporting access to higher education.
The Real Role and Challenges
There’s a lot of confusion about the DOE's responsibilities versus those of the State Board of Education. Contrary to popular belief, the DOE doesn’t dictate curriculum choices—that’s the jurisdiction of your State Board. They handle everything from textbook approvals to lesson plans, not the DOE.
Moreover, discussions about reducing the DOE often ignore whom such a move would impact most—students in rural areas, those requiring special education, or those from low-income backgrounds. Without DOE oversight, many of these students would be at a significant disadvantage.
Why The DOEd Still Matters
For those who support dismantling the DOE, it's crucial to understand the safeguards it provides. From upholding laws like Title IX and Title VI that protect against discrimination to ensuring federal funding reaches schools in need, the DOE plays a vital role. It’s not about inefficiency; it’s about sustaining opportunities for all children, regardless of their background or physical abilities.
Facing the Facts and Misinformation
Some critics cite the U.S.'s rank in international assessments as evidence of failure. However, the tests evaluating educational achievement didn’t exist until 2000, meaning our system was well-established before such comparisons. Furthermore, countries outperforming us often teach specifically for these tests—a practice our students don’t follow.
Moving Forward Together
As we confront these challenges, it’s clear the debate extends beyond simply abolishing a department. It encapsulates the values we hold regarding equal educational opportunities. Abolishing the DOE could disproportionately harm marginalized communities, undermining the rights of children needing support.
My goal is to stay informed and supportive, recognizing the pain of feeling abandoned by those who cheer for dismantling entities vital to our children’s future. Remember, we aren’t alone. Through the confusion, frustration, and misinformation, we stand together in defense of equitable, accessible education for all.
Thank you for engaging with this discussion—it’s not just about a department. It’s about preserving the dreams and futures of countless children across the nation. See you next week as we continue to explore these critical issues.