On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better
On March 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order initiating the process to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to return educational authority to individual states and local communities. The White House
Rationale Behind the Decision:
Since its establishment in 1979, the Department of Education has expended over $3 trillion. Despite this significant investment, student achievement has seen minimal improvement:The White House
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Declining Academic Performance: Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds have reached their lowest levels in decades.
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Proficiency Challenges: Approximately 60% of fourth graders and nearly 75% of eighth graders are not proficient in math. Additionally, 70% of fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, with 40% of fourth graders not meeting basic reading levels.
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Stagnant Test Scores: Standardized test scores have remained flat for decades, and U.S. students currently rank 28th out of 37 OECD member countries in math.
Administration's Perspective:
The Trump administration contends that the federal oversight of education has led to inefficiencies and that states are better equipped to address the unique needs of their populations. By decentralizing control, the administration believes that educational freedom and opportunities for families can be expanded.
Implications of the Executive Order:
The executive order directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate the closure of the Department and ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to states and local entities. However, completely dismantling the Department requires congressional approval, making the full realization of this initiative uncertain. CT Insider+4Wikipedia+4Diario AS+4
Public and Political Reactions:
The move has received mixed reactions:
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Support: Advocates argue that returning control to states will lead to more tailored and effective educational programs. Reno Gazette Journal
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Criticism: Opponents express concerns that the absence of federal oversight could exacerbate educational disparities, particularly affecting low-income and marginalized communities.
As the process unfolds, debates continue regarding the best approach to improve educational outcomes and the appropriate balance between federal and state roles in education.
Since 1979, the U.S. Department of Education has spent over $3 trillion with virtually nothing to show for it. Despite per-pupil spending having increased by more than 245% over that period, there has been virtually no measurable improvement in student achievement:
- Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds are at the lowest level in decades.
- Six-in-ten fourth graders and nearly three-quarters of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
- Seven-in-ten fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, while 40% of fourth grade students don’t even meet basic reading levels.
- Standardized test scores have remained flat for decades.
- U.S. students rank 28 out of 37 OECD member countries in math.
President Donald J. Trump and his administration believe we can, and must, be better.
Instead of maintaining the status quo that is failing American students, the Trump Administration’s bold plan will return education where it belongs — with individual states, which are best positioned to administer effective programs and services that benefit their own unique populations and needs.
Instead of a bloated federal system that burdens schools with regulations and paperwork, the Trump Administration believes states should be empowered to expand educational freedom and opportunity for all families.
Why would we keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result?