Shaking Up Education: Big Changes Coming to Federal Programs

The Education Department is making significant changes, transferring large grant programs to other federal agencies. This move is part of a broader plan to eventually shut down the department, a goal strongly supported by the Trump administration.

Six New Deals Signed

• Billions of dollars in grants are being moved to other agencies.
• The Department of Labor will take over several key programs.
• Funding for schools with low-income students is among the programs being transferred.

The Education Department assures that funding levels will remain the same, but they have not confirmed whether additional job cuts will occur.

Secretary Linda McMahon's Vision

Education Secretary Linda McMahon argues that this shift will give states more control and reduce bureaucracy in Washington. However, critics express concerns about the potential impact on students.

Testing the Plan

The Education Department has been testing this approach since June, transferring adult education programs to the Labor Department. Now, they are expanding this model significantly. The goal is to demonstrate to Congress that these changes are effective and that the department may no longer be necessary.

New Responsibilities

Under the new plan:

• The Labor Department will manage most grant programs.
• This includes funding for teacher training and helping low-income students attend college.
• The Education Department will retain responsibility for student loans and disability funding.

McMahon believes other agencies could manage these programs more effectively.

Opposition and Concerns

Critics argue that other agencies lack the same expertise and worry about the impact on vulnerable students. The Education Department maintains that their plan is legal and will improve efficiency.

McMahon's Criticism

McMahon has been vocal about the department's shortcomings, citing falling test scores as evidence of its ineffectiveness. She advocates for greater state flexibility but requires Congressional approval to implement her plan.

Broader Strategy

The new deals are part of a larger strategy to demonstrate that schools can function without the Education Department. McMahon is visiting successful local schools and lobbying lawmakers to support her vision.