There has been so much discussion in the news about the Department of Education, what it does and should it be abolished. There are many false statements circulating, so I thought I would devote this week’s blog to the Department.  

What it does:  

Funding and Grants: The Department of Education administers federal funding, such as Title I funds for schools with high numbers of low-income students, and provides grants for special education, research, and teacher training. 

Special Education: The department oversees the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. This includes providing special education services, supporting early intervention for infants and toddlers, and awarding grants to states and institutions that deliver these services.  Until the passage of the IDEA in the 1970’s, states determined whether they could serve a child with a disability.  Many states chose not to serve these children until it became a law.   

Higher Education Support: The Department of Education administers programs like Pell Grants and the federal student loan program to support college students. Pell Grants are awarded based on family income, while the federal student loan program offers more favorable loan terms than private loans. 

Data Collection and Reporting: The National Center for Education Statistics, a department within the Department of Education, gathers and reports data on K-12 educational institutions to help schools and researchers analyze enrollment, finances, and performance metrics.  I discussed the latest report in last week’s blog.

What it does not do: 

Education is primarily a local and state responsibility rather than a federal one. Most public-school funding comes from state and local governments, with the ED’s budget making up only 21% of total education spending in the country 

The Department of Education does not directly control or manage schools. Its role is more about providing support and resources rather than direct oversight. 

While the Federal Department of Education exerts significant influence through funding, civil rights enforcement, and research, its authority is balanced by the autonomy of state and local education systems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for appreciating the Department’s impact on special education and the broader educational landscape in the U.S.