The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order this Thursday to begin dismantling the Department of Education, arguing that the institution has failed to achieve its goal of improving the country's educational system despite the millions of resources invested.
In the official statement from the White House, Trump declared: "Since 1979, the U.S. Department of Education has spent over 3 trillion dollars without tangible results. Despite the fact that spending per student has increased by more than 245% during that period, there have been no measurable improvements in academic performance."
He also points out what the leader refers to as "concerning statistics" about the current state of education in the country, such as the low math and reading scores of 13-year-old children, which according to the report "are at their lowest level in decades."
It argues that six out of ten fourth-grade students and nearly three-quarters of eighth-grade students do not have adequate mastery of mathematics; seven out of ten fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, and 40% of fourth graders do not even reach basic levels.
The report indicates that standardized tests have shown stagnant results for decades, and that American students rank 28th out of 37 OECD member countries in mathematics.
"Rather than maintaining a failed system, the Trump administration will return education to where it belongs: to the individual states, which are better positioned to manage effective programs and address the specific needs of their populations," the order emphasizes.
Earlier, the president announced, "Today we are making a historic decision that has been in the works for 45 years. Soon, I will sign an Executive Order to begin eliminating the Department of Education once and for all."
The signing of the decree took place in front of a dozen children seated at desks who were invited to an event that also featured Republican governors such as Ron DeSantis (Florida), Jeff Landry (Louisiana), Bill Lee (Tennessee), and Kim Reynolds (Iowa), as well as Republican Congressman Rick Allen.
Although the White House plan aims to significantly reduce the federal government's role in education, Trump assured that some key functions will be preserved, including Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and funding for children with disabilities.
The announcement, which was one of his campaign promises, has generated mixed reactions in Congress and among the public.
While conservatives celebrate the end of an "inefficient bureaucratic system," critics warn about the risks of dismantling an agency that ensures equity in education.
The fate of the Department of Education now rests with Congress, which must discuss and vote on the entity's future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dismantling of the Department of Education in the U.S.
Why did Donald Trump decide to dismantle the Department of Education?
Donald Trump decided to dismantle the Department of Education because he believes it has failed to improve the education system in the United States, despite the millions of dollars invested. Trump argues that since its creation in 1979, the department has spent over 3 trillion dollars without achieving tangible improvements in students' academic performance.
What are Trump's main criticisms of the American education system?
Trump's main criticisms of the American educational system include stagnant results on standardized tests and low performance in mathematics and reading. American students rank 28th out of 37 OECD member countries in mathematics, and scores for 13-year-olds are at their lowest level in decades.
What does Trump propose instead of the federal Department of Education?
Trump proposes returning the management of education to the states, arguing that they are better positioned to address the specific needs of their populations. According to his vision, this would allow for more efficient and personalized measures to improve educational quality.
What functions of the Department of Education will be preserved according to Trump's plan?
Although there is an effort to reduce the role of the federal government, Trump ensures that some key functions will be preserved, such as Title I funding for low-income schools, Pell Grants, and funds for children with disabilities.
What has been the reaction of Congress to the announcement of dismantling the Department of Education?
The announcement has generated mixed reactions in Congress and among the public. While conservatives celebrate the end of an "inefficient bureaucratic system," critics warn about the risks of dismantling an agency that ensures equity in education.
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