What Does the Department of Education Do?

The Department of Education is a key agency in the US government, responsible for overseeing and funding education in the country. As the 9th Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon is tasked with overseeing the department’s various functions, including financial aid, civil rights enforcement, and college accreditation. But what does the department actually do, and how might Trump’s plans for the department change its role?

Student Loans and Financial Aid

The Department of Education manages approximately $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for over 40 million borrowers, as well as the Pell Grant program, which provides aid to students below a certain income threshold. The department also administers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which universities use to allocate financial aid.

Under President Biden’s administration, the department made significant efforts to cancel student loans, with the goal of canceling $175 billion in debt for over 4.8 million borrowers. However, Trump has criticized these efforts, calling them “a total catastrophe” that “taunts young people.”

Civil Rights Enforcement

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is responsible for investigating and issuing guidance on how to apply civil rights laws, such as for LGBTQ+ students and students of color. The office also oversees a large data collection project that tracks disparities in resources, course access, and discipline for students of different racial and socioeconomic groups.

Under Trump’s administration, the department has instructed the office to prioritize complaints of antisemitism above all else and has opened investigations into colleges and school sports leagues for allowing transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams.

College Accreditation

While the Department of Education does not directly accredit colleges and universities, it oversees the system by reviewing all federally recognized accrediting agencies. Institutions of higher education must be accredited to gain access to federal money for student financial aid.

Under Trump’s administration, the department has taken steps to terminate accrediting agencies that are seen as too liberal or progressive, including the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which was terminated by the Biden administration in 2022.

Money for Schools

The Department of Education provides significant funding for K-12 schools through large federal programs, such as Title I for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These programs support services for students with disabilities, lower class sizes with additional teaching positions, and pay for social workers and other non-teaching roles in schools.

Trump has called for shifting these functions to the states, but it is unclear how the agency’s core functions of sending federal money to local districts and schools would be handled.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Department of Education plays a crucial role in overseeing and funding education in the United States. From managing student loan debt to enforcing civil rights and accrediting colleges and universities, the department’s work has a direct impact on the lives of millions of Americans. While Trump’s plans for the department are still unclear, it is likely that the department will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of education in the United States.

FAQs

Q: What is the Department of Education responsible for?
A: The Department of Education is responsible for overseeing and funding education in the United States, including managing student loan debt, enforcing civil rights, and accrediting colleges and universities.

Q: How much money does the Department of Education provide to K-12 schools?
A: The Department of Education provides significant funding to K-12 schools through large federal programs, such as Title I for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Q: What is the role of the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education?
A: The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for investigating and issuing guidance on how to apply civil rights laws, such as for LGBTQ+ students and students of color.

Q: How does the Department of Education accredit colleges and universities?
A: The Department of Education does not directly accredit colleges and universities, but it oversees the system by reviewing all federally recognized accrediting agencies. Institutions of higher education must be accredited to gain access to federal money for student financial aid.