Protecting Public Education: Why Federal Oversight Matters

Public schools aren't failing; they're starving.

We've witnessed growing efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. As educators, policy experts, and parents, we here at PLACE believe we need to understand what's at stake and why maintaining federal protections for education is crucial for all children.

Quick look: this 2-pager provides information and talking points you can use when advocating for your student with disabilities: "What is Special Education?"

Why Was the Department of Education Created?

Before federal education protections existed, American education was deeply inequitable:

Students with disabilities were routinely denied education in their local schools
Children were bussed hours away to receive education that local schools wouldn't provide
Students with learning differences were placed in inappropriate classrooms without proper support

The Department of Education was established because states and local agencies were failing to adequately educate all students. Two landmark pieces of legislation changed the educational landscape forever:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal funding
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1975) guarantees students with disabilities the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment

Grab n' go: this fact sheet that provides an overview as to why IDEA is critical for our society: "IDEA: Why is it important?"

Problems with Current Proposals

Recent efforts to abolish the Department of Education raise serious concerns:

1. Reduced Efficiency

Transferring education programs to departments lacking expertise in educational law would create inefficiency, not reduce it. Rebuilding systems and restructuring funding would likely increase the burden at the federal, state, and local level.

2. Loss of Accountability

Without federal oversight, history shows many states may reduce educational services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

3. Loss of Funding

The current administration cites wanting to send power and money "back to the states" but states already have the power to set curriculum and educational standards. As for the funding being cut? There may be significant losses to states.

Check out this tool from the Education Law Center to see how federal budget cuts could impact your state (click on "IDEA" to see the impacts specifically in special education).

What We Should Do Instead

Rather than dismantling the Department of Education, we should:

Fully fund IDEA (which has never been fully funded by Congress)
Strengthen oversight of all schools receiving public funds
Address the teacher shortage through improved compensation and working conditions
Support evidence-based educational practices

Ready to take action? Check out our fact sheet: "Action steps: IDEA - what do you do now"

Conclusion

Our children's future—and our nation's—depends on maintaining strong federal protections for quality education for all. The solution is adequate funding and support, not abandonment.

We encourage you to contact your representatives today and tell them to protect the Department of Education, highlighting the vital role it plays in ensuring the educational rights for all students.

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