Department of Education Faces Scrutiny Amid Calls for Closure
City: Washington, D.C.,
Date: November 13, 2024
The future of the Department of Education is being hotly debated as prominent political figures, including Donald Trump, pledge to eliminate the agency, a move that has sparked controversy and concern among Democrats and educational advocates. The rhetoric around this issue hearkens back to the department’s establishment in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, where it was seen as a significant leap forward for American education.
Background
The Department of Education was created following Carter’s campaign promise aimed at improving the federal government’s role in education. However, conservative leaders have consistently challenged its necessity since its inception, with Ronald Reagan vowing to abolish it during his 1980 campaign. Today, the department still operates with roughly 4,000 employees, yet its perceived ineffectiveness has led to renewed calls for its closure from various corners.
Current Challenges
As discussions amplify, the department faces criticism over its performance. Recent data indicate that despite significant increases in federal funding—growing from $53 billion in 1980 to $238 billion in 2024—academic achievement has stagnated. For instance, the average SAT scores for college-bound seniors barely improved from 994 in 1980 to 1002 in 2016 and, alarmingly, saw a decline to 1028 in 2023.
Further scrutiny arises from the National Assessment of Educational Progress test, revealing no improvement in reading scores for 9-, 13-, and 17-year-olds since 1980. Math scores have risen slightly but still reflect minimal progress of 1% per decade. In international comparisons conducted in 2022, American 15-year-olds performed below average among advanced economies, trailing behind countries like Japan, China, and Germany.
The Budget Discrepancy
Despite the doubling of funds spent per student—rising from approximately $7,500 to over $15,000 since 1980—the educational output has not matched these financial investments. The increase in public school funding has not translated into apparent improvements, prompting critics to question the efficiency of spending.
Federal Involvement and Administration Growth
Additionally, the bureaucratic side of education has expanded rapidly. The number of administrators in schools has surged by 84% since 1980, with state and district central office administrators increasing by an astounding 240%. The current reality shows that there is now one administrator for every ten teachers, presenting a picture of inefficiency rather than responsiveness to the needs of students and teachers.
Response to Potential Closure
The possibility of closing the Department of Education has drawn alarm from its supporters. Kamala Harris, the Vice President, characterized the move as a regression to a “dark past,” and the National Education Association warned that such an action would be “disastrous for the nation.” Educational leaders argue that eliminating the department would jeopardize the support systems in place for disadvantaged students and lead to further inequities in the education system.
Conclusion
As discussions continue about the future of the Department of Education, the questions remain: If the agency has failed to achieve its founding goals of improving efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness, what justification exists for its continuation? With increasing scrutiny from multiple political perspectives, the dialogue surrounding education policy is set to remain a focal point in American politics.
