Recently, an executive order aimed at increasing school choice for military and Native American families has stirred up discussions about federal education funding. This order directs the Education Department to provide guidance on how states can use federal funds to support school choice programs.
The primary pots of federal money at stake are Title I funds, which assist students from low-income backgrounds, and IDEA funds for students with disabilities. Traditionally, these funds are allocated to public school districts, with states receiving over $18 billion for Title I and about $15 billion for IDEA based on specific formulas related to student need.
Currently, federal funding makes up about 13% of total K-12 education spending, with the majority coming from state and local sources. The proposed shift in how this funding is used might signal a change in the government’s role in overseeing education.
Advocates of school choice claim that allowing funding to follow students instead of being tied to districts could transform education. They believe this shift could empower families to pick the school that best meets their children’s needs. Robert Enlow from EdChoice argues that this approach would change the focus from merely funding schools to funding students directly.
However, critics worry that such a move could endanger public schools, which educate most students. Weadé James from the Center for American Progress warns that incentivizing the use of federal dollars for nonpublic education could starve public schools and harm disadvantaged students. This sentiment was echoed by Blair Wriston from EdTrust, who views the order as part of a broader assault on public education.
The proposed changes raise many questions, especially concerning the rights of students with disabilities. Chad Rummel from the Council for Exceptional Children stresses that converting federal funds into a voucher system, especially using IDEA funds, could be problematic.
Additionally, the financial impact of these federal grants might be limited. For instance, the average allocation per student under IDEA is around $2,000, which is often not enough to cover private school tuition or even certain special education services.
The timing of Trump’s order coincides with the release of student achievement data showing that many kids are falling behind in fundamental subjects like math and reading. This has spurred calls for structural changes in education. Jonathan Butcher from the Heritage Foundation argues that it’s crucial to rethink the current education system, as it does not seem to be adequately preparing children for success.
One potential way forward could involve transforming the existing federal grants into block grants. This change would give states flexibility in managing the funds, allowing parents to deposit money into education savings accounts. Families could then use these funds for various educational needs, from tuition to tutoring resources.
As this conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Education Department will respond to the new order. Many local education officials are advocating for a careful approach that prioritizes clarity and stability for students and educators.
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