Key Takeaways:

• In March, the president signed an order to start closing the Department of Education.
• Lawmakers must pass a law to actually shut the department.
• Meanwhile, the agency is pushing big changes in K–12 schools.
• Supporters want more local control and private options.
• Critics warn students could face higher costs and fewer protections.

When the president signed an executive order, he kicked off what he calls an education shakeup. Yet he can’t close the Department of Education without Congress. In the meantime, the department has begun to remake public schools in line with a conservative vision. Reporter John Yang talked with investigative journalist Jennifer Smith Richards to explain what’s happening now and what could come next.

The executive order aims to dismantle key parts of the Department of Education. It tasks officials with rewriting rules and cutting programs. For example, the department plans to roll back guidelines that protect students with disabilities. It also wants to let states set their own standards for class time and curriculum. In addition, the department is eyeing grant programs that fund after-school care and preschool. Altogether, these moves form the core of the education shakeup.

First, the order calls for a detailed report on every department office. Officials must show which offices overlap or waste money. Then, the report will recommend who to fire or merge. Next, the order promises to shift power to state leaders. It directs the department to reduce federal oversight. As a result, local school boards would gain more control over budgets and teaching requirements.

Steps Toward the Education Shakeup

Since the order’s signing, department staff have taken several actions. For instance, they announced a plan to change teacher training rules. These changes could let schools hire instructors with no formal teaching degrees. Also, the department proposed new guidelines for student loans. Those rules may allow colleges to set their own interest rates. If approved, this move could raise costs for many borrowers.

Meanwhile, the agency has moved to cut or delay key grant programs. It paused funding for after-school sports and arts. It also signaled plans to pull money from school lunch initiatives. Moreover, the department wants to scale back federal research on school safety and mental health. All these steps highlight the broad scope of the current education shakeup.

In addition, the department is redesigning its main website. The new site will focus on school choice and private scholarships. It will downplay resources on special education and public school performance. This digital shift aims to guide families toward charter schools and voucher programs.

What This Means for Students

Students could feel the effects of this education shakeup as soon as next year. With fewer federal rules, schools might change graduation requirements on short notice. Some districts may drop required classes in science or history. Also, removing disability protections could leave students with autism or learning differences at risk. They might lose access to aides, tutors, or special testing arrangements.

Furthermore, private and charter schools could see a surge in funding. That may motivate families to leave their local public schools. In turn, schools that lose students might cut staff and programs. Sports teams, music classes, and art clubs could face deep budget cuts. Smaller schools could struggle or even close.

On the other hand, some supporters say the shakeup will spark fresh ideas. They argue that giving states freedom will lead to new teaching tools. They expect more vocational training, coding courses, and dual-enrollment options. Yet these experiments could create a patchwork of rules from state to state. Families who move across borders might struggle to meet new graduation tests.

Challenges and Criticisms

Critics call the order a power grab. They argue that it sidelines experts and ignores proven programs. Many school leaders and teachers fear chaos. They worry students will lose vital services. Civil rights advocates say the changes could hurt low-income and minority students the most. They warn that relaxing rules on discrimination could risk a rise in bullying and harassment.

In fact, lawsuits have already started. A coalition of teachers’ unions filed a case to block the plan to change loan rules. Disability rights groups threatened legal action over the rollback of special education protections. These cases could delay or even overturn parts of the shakeup. However, even if courts step in, the department could keep changing policies behind the scenes.

Moreover, some conservative lawmakers push for a full shutdown of the department. They see it as a federal overreach on local schools. Yet most Republicans in Congress stop short of supporting a full closure. They worry about losing federal funding for low-income students and school lunch programs.

Looking Ahead

For now, the department moves forward with its agenda. But actual closure of the Department of Education needs a law passed by both houses of Congress. That task will face major hurdles. Many lawmakers oppose a full shutdown. They point out that federal money supports nearly half of public school budgets. Without that support, local schools would face massive cuts.

In the coming months, department officials will release dozens of new policy proposals. Families, teachers, and state leaders will have chances to comment. Some changes may be reversed or modified after public feedback. Yet, the drive toward an education shakeup will shape debates in every state.

If Congress blocks a shutdown, the department could still operate with a slimmed-down structure. It might drop nonessential offices, leaving only core functions. Still, even a smaller department would wield power over loans, civil rights, and data collection. That means the fight over the education shakeup will continue long after any order expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the executive order do?

The order directs officials to study and reduce redundant offices. It also loosens federal rules in K–12 and student loans. However, it does not itself close the department.

Can the Department of Education really shut down?

No. Only Congress can pass a law to close it. The executive order can only recommend changes and shift power to states.

How soon will families see changes?

Some new rules could take effect as early as the next school year. Others require public comment and final approval, which could take months.

What can parents and students do?

Families can submit feedback during public comment periods. They can also contact their state representatives to express concerns or support.