What the Department of Education Actually Does Today
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plays a significant role in shaping American education, yet many people are unclear on exactly what it does. Unlike state education agencies, the DOE does not operate schools, hire teachers, or set curriculum standards. Instead, its primary responsibilities include administering federal education funding, enforcing civil rights laws, conducting research, and supporting state and local education agencies. Understanding what the DOE actually does today is essential in evaluating its role in the ongoing debate over federal education policy.
1. Administering Federal Education Funding
One of the DOE’s most important functions is distributing federal funds to support education at all levels. While education funding primarily comes from state and local governments, the DOE provides targeted financial assistance through various programs, including:
Title I Grants – Aid to schools serving low-income students to improve academic achievement.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Funding – Support for special education programs.
Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans – Financial assistance for college students.
Career and Technical Education Grants – Funding for workforce development and vocational programs.
The DOE ensures that these funds are used appropriately and that states and districts comply with federal requirements attached to the funding.
2. Enforcing Civil Rights and Educational Equity
The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) plays a crucial role in ensuring that schools and colleges comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other protected statuses. It enforces:
Title IX – Preventing gender discrimination in education, including protections against sexual harassment.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 – Ensuring schools accommodate students with disabilities.
Equal Access Act – Protecting students’ rights to form clubs and express their beliefs in school settings.
The OCR investigates complaints of discrimination and can take enforcement actions to correct violations, including withholding federal funds from noncompliant institutions.
3. Collecting and Analyzing Educational Data
Through the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the DOE collects, analyzes, and publishes data on U.S. education systems. This research helps policymakers, educators, and the public understand:
Student achievement trends through National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores.
High school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment statistics.
The effectiveness of federal programs like Title I and special education funding.
By providing objective data, the DOE helps guide state and federal education policy decisions.
4. Supporting State and Local Education Agencies
While education is primarily a state and local responsibility, the DOE offers technical assistance, best practices, and grant opportunities to help schools improve outcomes. It provides resources for:
Teacher training and professional development.
School safety initiatives, including mental health programs.
Innovations in curriculum and instructional strategies, such as STEM education initiatives.
The DOE also works with states to ensure they meet federal benchmarks for student achievement and equity.
5. Overseeing Higher Education and Student Loan Programs
Beyond K-12 education, the DOE is responsible for administering federal student aid programs, including:
Pell Grants – Need-based grants for low-income college students.
Direct Student Loans – Federal loan programs for postsecondary education.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program – Debt relief for qualifying public service workers.
The DOE monitors compliance with accreditation standards, ensures student loan servicers follow fair lending practices, and provides guidance for higher education institutions.
6. Shaping National Education Policy
While the DOE does not dictate local education decisions, it helps set national priorities and encourages states to adopt policies aligned with federal goals. Recent initiatives have included:
Expanding early childhood education programs.
Promoting career readiness through workforce training partnerships.
Addressing learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DOE works with Congress and the President to develop education policies that affect millions of students nationwide.
Conclusion: A Support Role, Not Direct Control
The Department of Education does not control local schools, but it plays a critical role in funding, oversight, research, and policy development. Whether through financial aid, civil rights enforcement, or national education initiatives, the DOE influences education in ways that impact students, teachers, and institutions across the country. As debates continue over the department’s future, understanding its actual responsibilities is essential in making informed decisions about its role in American education.