The political winds have changed again, as President Trump has taken a bold step to shake up the education system in America. He recently signed an executive order that begins the process of closing the Department of Education, a move that aligns with a long-standing conservative belief that education should be managed closer to home. For years, many have argued that federal oversight has done more harm than good, and it’s time for states to take back control. After all, how much more evidence do we need with plummeting test scores despite a mountain of spending?
Linda McMahon, the current Secretary of Education, has been thrown into the spotlight with the responsibility of dismantling her own department. It’s always entertaining to watch someone whose job is to basically make their own job obsolete, isn’t it? But Secretary McMahon seems eager to take on the task, emphasizing that the key to a great education is to have it managed right where it matters—locally. She and the President believe that states know best how to educate their students, without an army of bureaucrats and regulations.
Yet, of course, not everyone is on board with this radical shift. Critics from the left, like Randi Weingarten, are convinced that this move would devastate children who are already disadvantaged. The fear is states might prioritize funds differently, perhaps even giving parents more choice through vouchers—what a travesty, right? Imagine parents actually deciding their children’s education!
But let’s face it, the current system has seen its fair share of failure. Despite enormous spending, American students are lackluster in their performance compared to global peers. And how much of that dollar is wasted away in regulatory compliance instead of reaching the classroom? Nearly half, as McMahon pointed out. Perhaps it’s time teachers are freed from the chains of endless paperwork to actually teach.
The plan is to examine sending money directly to states and empowering them. States like California and New York raise eyebrows due to their poor track records, but perhaps handing over funds to parents directly is worth considering. Former Secretary Bennett suggested just that, so maybe it’s time to test allowing families to choose what’s best for their children. McMahon is already touring the country to get a sense of the best practices and ideas from governors and educational leaders.
In the end, the aim is to create a system where students benefit directly. If closing the Department of Education can help achieve that, perhaps after this whirlwind of an administrative task, McMahon could return to education boards or even try her hand at more public service. But for now, all eyes are on how this bold move could rewrite the educational landscape in America.
