Institutions of Impact: Understanding the US Department of Education

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles exploring the history, mission and essential services provided by key government agencies. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed funding cuts and potential changes to the way agencies operate could significantly weaken these agencies and disrupt essential services that millions rely on daily.

From his first presidential term to his latest campaign, President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. The department has been in the crosshairs of conservative politicians for decades, even shortly after it was established as a Cabinet-level agency in 1980 through the Department of Education Organization Act, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. The latest attempt is a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, which calls for major functions of the department to be split among other agencies.

History

While education is primarily the responsibility of the states, the department was born out of the recognition that a federal agency was needed to coordinate policies, ensure accountability and promote equal access to education. The Department of Education’s roots date back to 1867 when President Andrew Johnson created the Office of Education to collect data on schools and teaching practices. The federal role in education has expanded following landmark moments, including the passage of the National Defense Education Act in response to the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 and civil rights laws to help ensure equal access to education.

Key services and functions

According to the department, its elementary and secondary programs annually serve nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million students attending approximately 98,000 public schools and 32,000 private schools. The department is also responsible for an array of federal programs, including Title I, which provides funding to schools in low-income areas and aims to close opportunity gaps.

Its Office for Civil Rights oversees and enforces civil rights laws in schools to help ensure that students are not discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, sex or disability. The Department of Education also plays a significant role in data tracking and reporting in education, from spending to civil rights indicators related to access and barriers to educational opportunities.

The department also administers grant, loan and work-study assistance to more than 12 million postsecondary students, including Pell Grants and student loans. The department’s website states that it provides over $150 billion in new and consolidated loans annually. Additionally, the department oversees the approval of accrediting agencies for higher education institutions to ensure that they meet acceptable quality standards.

A closer look

The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, attempted to answer questions raised by the possibility of abolishing the Department of Education. Read here what experts and advocates had to say about the potential effects on student loans, special education, financial aid, school lunch and more.

Image at top by the SPLC