51³Ô¹Ï

Note: The Trump administration is making changes at a rapid pace and while these functions have existed with the Department of Education for decades, they could take a different shape or live in a different department in the future. The important piece to recognize is that the federal government plays a fundamental, yet defined role in the US education system.

Since election season last fall, the Trump campaign/administration has been discussing the elimination of the , which has stood as a Cabinet-level department since its creation by Congress during the Carter administration. As independent educational consultants (IECs), our daily work is shaped by Department of Education (ED) programs and policies that affect every stage of a student’s educational journey. Understanding these connections helps us better serve our students and their families.

The US Constitution, through the , designates all powers not explicitly laid out as federal to the states, passing education to state and local governments. States determine overall curriculum requirements, disburse a substantial amount of K-12 funding, and develop policy for local school districts to follow. While there are variations between states, local districts maintain some control over their curriculum, programming, and budgets. In higher education, states oversee funding, policy, and governance, particularly for public institutions.

The ED’s K-12 programs create the foundation for college access. support low-income school districts, while the ensures special education services reach students who need them. The protects educational access for homeless students, and support non-native English speakers. These programs help develop the diverse pool of students pursuing higher education. When we think about college access and preparedness, all of these programs shape the students who matriculate on college campuses.

When it comes to college affordability, the ED’s plays a crucial role. Each year, more than 17 million students complete the , the gateway to federal financial assistance. The FSA administers approximately $120.8 billion annually in grants, work-study, and loan funds, including $33 billion in for low and middle-income undergraduates. For many of our students, these programs make college attendance possible.

While the past two years have been a bit shaky for the FAFSA, the ED has improved the management of the program, and the Class of 2025 has been able to apply for aid through a stable, secure process. The federal student aid program includes the work-study program and has significant guardrails to encourage appropriate borrowing through these channels.

The ED’s oversight functions are equally important to our practices. Through accreditation oversight, the department ensures colleges meet quality standards for federal aid eligibility. The enforces anti-discrimination laws, helping ensure safer campus environments. Additionally, the department maintains comprehensive data collection from all institutions participating in federal aid programs, allowing us to help families analyze and compare crucial metrics like admission rates, academic outcomes, and graduation rates.

Programs and policies across federal, state, and local governments impact the educational options and outcomes for our students and their families. Understanding the intersections of these entities and their roles is critical to helping students navigate the course of their education.

For 51³Ô¹Ï members who would like to express their support for ED programs, the most effective approach right now is to . Share your experiences, personally and professionally, with DoE areas of oversight.

The 51³Ô¹Ï Government Relations Committee and representatives from a number of our regional groups continue to track state and national legislation that impacts our members and the students we serve. 51³Ô¹Ï members will be meeting with legislators during our annual Advocacy Day event on March 10-11, 2025. As the actions of the new administration continue to unfold, we will keep members informed about developments and action steps.

By Whitney Bruce, CEP, 51³Ô¹Ï Professional (ME), Chair of the 51³Ô¹Ï Government Relations Committee