How the Department of Education Influences Public Schools Without Direct Authority
Many Americans assume that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) sets policies for public schools and dictates how education is run across the country. However, the reality is quite different. The federal government does not directly control curriculum, school operations, or teacher hiring. Instead, the DOE influences public education primarily through funding, research, and legal oversight, leveraging these tools to shape policy and encourage compliance with federal priorities.
The Limits of Federal Authority in Education
Under the U.S. Constitution, education is not explicitly mentioned, meaning it falls under the jurisdiction of the states via the Tenth Amendment. This framework ensures that states and local school districts maintain primary control over public education, deciding everything from curriculum to graduation requirements. While the DOE plays a significant role, it does so without direct governance over local schools.
The Power of Federal Funding
One of the most effective ways the DOE shapes education policy is through funding. Although federal dollars make up only about 8-10% of total public education spending, these funds are often tied to specific programs and priorities. The DOE provides billions of dollars annually to states and districts through programs such as:
Title I Grants – Assist schools with high numbers of low-income students.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Funds – Support special education services.
Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans – Fund higher education and student financial aid.
By attaching requirements to these funding sources, the DOE influences how states and districts allocate resources and implement policies. For example, a state that refuses to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws may risk losing federal funding for education programs.
Setting Policy Through Guidance and Initiatives
Though it lacks direct authority, the DOE issues guidance documents and policy recommendations that strongly shape educational practices nationwide. These do not have the force of law but often influence state education agencies and local districts. Some key examples include:
Common Core Influence – While the DOE did not create or mandate Common Core State Standards, it encouraged adoption by tying federal grants to states that implemented rigorous academic standards.
Civil Rights Enforcement – The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights ensures compliance with laws such as Title IX (gender equity in education) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
School Safety and Mental Health Initiatives – The department provides best practices and grants for improving school environments.
National Assessments and Data Collection
The DOE also influences education through its role in research and data collection. Agencies like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collect and analyze information on student performance, graduation rates, and achievement gaps. The DOE uses this data to shape federal priorities and encourage policy changes at the state and district levels. One of the most well-known tools in this area is the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, which evaluates student performance across the country.
Ensuring Compliance with Federal Laws
While the DOE cannot dictate state education policies, it does enforce federal education laws. This includes ensuring that states and districts comply with civil rights protections, accessibility requirements for students with disabilities, and anti-discrimination policies. The DOE may investigate schools that fail to meet federal standards, issue corrective actions, and, in extreme cases, withhold funding from noncompliant states.
The Current Debate: Should the DOE Exist?
In discussions about eliminating the Department of Education, it is important to recognize that while the DOE does not run schools directly, it plays a critical role in funding, policy guidance, and legal enforcement. Critics argue that education should be left entirely to the states, while supporters contend that without federal oversight, educational disparities would grow, civil rights protections might weaken, and national education initiatives could suffer.
As this series continues, we will explore the DOE’s core responsibilities today and the implications of reducing or eliminating its role in American education.