Department of Education (DOE): Roles, Responsibilities, and Impact Under Trump’s Administration

What Does the Department of Education Do? A Complete Guide to the DOE

The Department of Education (DOE) plays a pivotal role in shaping America’s education system, yet many people wonder: What exactly does the Dept of Education do? From managing federal funding to enforcing civil rights laws, the DOE influences schools, colleges, and students nationwide. In this article, we’ll break down the roles, history, and controversies of the Education Department, including its evolution under the Trump administration.

What Is the Department of Education (DOE)?

Established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, the Dept of Education (DOE) is a federal agency tasked with:

Distributing $70+ billion annually in grants, loans, and work-study funds.

Enforcing federal education laws (e.g., Title IX, ESSA).

Collecting data on schools to improve equity and outcomes.

Promoting access to higher education and vocational training.

While the DOE doesn’t run schools directly, it sets policies affecting over 50 million K-12 students and 20 million college enrollees.

Key Responsibilities of the Department of Education

1. Federal Funding Allocation

The DOE distributes funds to states and institutions for:

Title I Programs: Supporting low-income schools.

Special Education: Funding for students with disabilities (IDEA Act).

Pell Grants: Financial aid for college students in need.

2. Policy Enforcement

Civil Rights Compliance: Ensuring schools don’t discriminate based on race, gender, or disability.

Student Privacy: Upholding FERPA laws to protect educational records.

Accountability: Monitoring states’ adherence to standards like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

3. Research and Data Collection

The DOE’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks metrics like graduation rates, literacy levels, and teacher shortages to guide reforms.

The Trump Department of Education: Key Changes and Controversies

The Trump administration brought significant shifts to the Education Department, led by Secretary Betsy DeVos. Key policies included:

1. School Choice Expansion

Pushed for voucher programs and charter schools to divert public funds to private institutions.

Critics argued this weakened public schools, while supporters claimed it empowered parents.

2. Title IX Overhaul

Revised guidelines for handling campus sexual assault cases, prioritizing due process for accused students.

Advocacy groups criticized the changes for discouraging survivors from reporting.

3. Budget Cuts

Proposed slashing $7 billion from programs like after-school initiatives and teacher training.

Congress rejected many cuts, but debates over funding priorities persisted.

How the DOE Operates Today

Under the Biden administration, the DOE has shifted focus to:

Student Debt Relief: Forgiving loans for public servants and low-income borrowers.

Equity Initiatives: Addressing racial disparities in school discipline and resource allocation.

COVID-19 Recovery: Distributing $122 billion via the American Rescue Plan to reopen schools safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the Department of Education control state schools?

A: No. The DOE provides funding and sets broad policies, but states and local districts manage curricula and operations.

Q: How does the DOE affect college students?

A: It oversees federal aid programs (FAFSA), ensures accreditation standards, and enforces campus safety laws.

Q: What’s the difference between the DOE and the Department of Labor?

A: The DOE focuses on education systems, while the Department of Labor handles job training and workforce development.

Why the Department of Education Matters

From ensuring equal access to education to preparing students for a competitive workforce, the DOE’s work impacts:

Teachers: Professional development grants and loan forgiveness programs.

Parents: Resources for children with disabilities or language barriers.

Taxpayers: Accountability for how federal education dollars are spent.

Conclusion

Understanding what the Department of Education does is critical for anyone invested in America’s schools, from parents to policymakers. While its role has evolved—especially under polarizing figures like Betsy DeVos during the Trump era—the DOE remains central to advancing educational equity and opportunity. Stay informed about its initiatives to advocate for better policies in your community.

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