The department has agreements with other agencies and outsources many of its functions to other parts of the federal government.
President Trump signs executive order dismantling the Department of Education
The White House said the order would not completely dissolve the Department of Education, but would “significantly reduce” its size.
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration took major steps on Tuesday, November 18, to further dismantle the federal Department of Education.
The agency finalized six agreements that outsource some of its work to four other branches of the federal government, according to a copy of the plan.
The move marks one of the most significant actions following President Donald Trump’s executive order in March to completely eliminate the Department of Education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon pledged in a statement to “work with Congress to codify these reforms.”
“Breaking through the layers of bureaucracy in Washington is an important part of our ultimate mission,” she said.
Only Congress can completely abolish federal agencies, but the Supreme Court has allowed the White House to proceed with mass layoffs at the Education Department for now. After the court gave the administration deference on the issue, authorities also moved forward with transferring some of that responsibility to the Labor Department.
This week’s developments affected a wide range of sectors. Staff in these offices may begin transferring to other agencies in the coming weeks and months.
As part of the changes, the Department of Labor will take a larger role in administering programs for colleges, universities, and K-12 schools.
Meanwhile, the Home Office will take on additional responsibility for indigenous education. The Ministry of Health and Human Services will be responsible for administering child care grants for university students and evaluating accreditation standards for foreign medical schools. And the State Department will begin to further strengthen efforts related to foreign language learning and international education.
Rachel Gittleman, president of the union representing Department of Education workers, vehemently opposed the plan announced Tuesday.
“Dismantling the Department of Education and shifting its responsibilities elsewhere will only create further chaos for schools and universities, deepen public mistrust, and ultimately harm students and families,” he said in a statement.
Despite widespread speculation, the changes do not include the department’s Office of Special Education, which USA TODAY first reported was largely eliminated last month. The agency said Tuesday it was still considering the future of its special education division, civil rights office and Office of Federal Student Aid, which oversees student loans.
The Washington Post first reported Tuesday’s news.
Department of Education employees are still reeling after about a fifth of the workforce was laid off in October during the latest government shutdown. Their jobs were restored as part of a deal between Senate Democrats, Republicans and the White House to end the funding crisis.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)
