In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), a promise that has sparked considerable debate among policymakers and educators. Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, has been particularly vocal about this initiative.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaswamy described the reading proficiency scores for eighth graders as “downright brutal,” citing the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) finding that only 31% were proficient in reading in 2022—a decline from previous years. He asserted, “This is a 5-alarm fire & President Trump’s vision to dismantle the Department of Education is the first step to fixing it.”
Can eliminating the DOE improve literacy rates?
Ramaswamy and other Trump backers argue that dismantling the DOE would lead to improved educational outcomes by reducing federal oversight and returning control to states and localities. They contend that this decentralization would foster innovation and accountability at the local level. However, education policy experts across the political spectrum challenge this assertion.
Weadé James, senior director for K-12 education policy at the Center for American Progress, states there’s “no proof” that eliminating the department would boost literacy. Nat Malkus of the American Enterprise Institute adds that without the DOE, the very statistics highlighting literacy issues might not be available, as the department is responsible for data collection and dissemination.
The role of the Department of Education
Established in 1979, the DOE oversees federal funding for public schools, administers student loans, and enforces civil rights laws in educational settings. It plays a pivotal role in distributing billions of dollars in federal aid, particularly through programs like Title I, which supports low-income students. Additionally, the department collects and analyzes educational data, providing insights into student performance nationwide.
Potential consequences of dismantling the DOE
Abolishing the DOE would require Congressional approval and a comprehensive plan to redistribute its functions. Critics warn that such a move could disrupt the allocation of federal funds, particularly those aiding low-income families and students with disabilities. The enforcement of civil rights protections in education could also be compromised, potentially exacerbating educational inequities. Moreover, the absence of a centralized body to collect and analyze educational data might hinder efforts to identify and address systemic issues, such as declining literacy rates.
Alternative approaches to addressing literacy declines
Instead of dismantling the DOE, some experts advocate for targeted reforms within the existing framework. Investing in evidence-based reading instruction, providing professional development for educators, and ensuring equitable access to educational resources are among the strategies proposed to enhance literacy rates. Additionally, fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local entities could lead to more effective interventions tailored to the specific needs of diverse student populations.
Reforms in education lies beyond eliminating the DoE
While the proposal to dismantle the Department of Education is presented as a solution to declining literacy rates, it raises complex questions about the delivery and oversight of education in the United States. The debate underscores the need for a nuanced approach that considers the multifaceted challenges facing the education system, rather than relying on structural changes that may not address the root causes of educational underperformance.
