President-elect Donald Trump has floated the idea of dissolving the Department of Education at the federal level.
The Department of Education, or the ED, began under the Jimmy Carter administration in October 1979. It began with the purpose of encouraging student achievement and preparation as well as ensuring equal access for students of all ages and backgrounds.
Under the ED, there are multiple different offices focusing on language, loans and federal aid, encouraging higher education and special education.
Each state has separate departments below the federal level that aid the schools in providing more help to students and teachers. In the United States, states and communities have more control over how the schools in their area operate. However, the ED only gives about 8% of funding to schools.
“Regardless of what happens federally, our school board sets our policies and approves our school district budget,” said Byron Bethards, special education coordinator for the K-12 Corvallis School District.
In his role, Bethards works to support the functions of special education within the district. This means supporting teachers in meeting the needs of students with all types of disabilities as well as allocating resources and providing training and development to the staff.
The ED holds federal protections over special education. These protections, set up by the ED, help ensure that each student receives an equal opportunity to succeed in school. Therefore, some students with disabilities are given personalized plans or procedures to help them reach their equal education goals.
“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires schools to work with staff and parents to craft individualized education programs for all eligible students with disabilities who need additional services and accommodations,” Bethards said. “Schools must also actively identify and support students with disabilities in early childhood.”
These accommodations are vital to helping students with disabilities reach their highest learning potential. However, district officials note the air of uncertainty that remains.
“We do not know what changes may occur to the Department of Education or how potential changes may impact its current functions,” Bethards said.
Right now, information is limited to the potential changes to the ED under Trump’s incoming presidency. This unknown limbo puts students and their families in a difficult position with their schooling.
“Laws and protections are in place to ensure that students continue receiving specialized education services,” Bethards said. “Regardless of what happens federally, our district will continue to prioritize supporting our students and families.”
