Consider This from NPR: What Happens If the Education Department Is Abolished?
Released on February 21, 2025
In this episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Scott Detrow delves into the controversial proposal by the Trump administration to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Through an in-depth discussion with former Education Secretaries John King and Margaret Spellings, the episode explores the potential ramifications of such a move on the American education system.
1. Introduction: The Push to Abolish the Department of Education
The episode opens with Scott Detrow outlining President Trump's unusual mandate to eliminate the Department of Education. He introduces Linda McMahon, Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, highlighting her statement during the confirmation hearing where she expressed intent to "send it back to the states" if confirmed (00:05).
Notable Quote:
Linda McMahon: "If confirmed as secretary, I will work with Congress to reorient the department toward helping educators, not controlling them." (00:33)
Detrow provides context on the Department's current role, emphasizing its oversight of programs that allocate significant federal funding to schools serving low-income families and students with disabilities. He notes the administration's actions, including cutting $600 million from teacher training programs and enforcing deadlines for schools to eliminate diversity initiatives (00:40).
2. The Trump Administration's Actions and Their Impact
The discussion progresses to detail the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, referencing Elon Musk's DOGE team's involvement in reducing the department's research division and accessing internal systems via a court order. Detrow raises critical questions about the feasibility and consequences of abolishing the department without Congressional approval.
Notable Quote:
Scott Detrow: "The Trump administration wants the Department of Education gone. But can they get rid of it? And if they do, how much money would actually be saved and which programs could be lost in the process?" (02:30)
3. Expert Insights: Former Education Secretaries Weigh In
Detrow introduces two key guests: John King, former Education Secretary under President Obama, and Margaret Spellings, former Education Secretary under President George W. Bush. Their expertise provides a comprehensive view of the Department's essential functions and the potential fallout from its dissolution.
a. The Essential Role of the Department of Education
Margaret Spellings underscores the Department's foundational belief that education serves as a great equalizer, striving to level the playing field for students regardless of their socioeconomic status or location (03:27).
Notable Quote:
Margaret Spellings: "The Department of Education was founded because we have a shared American belief that education is a great equalizer." (03:27)
John King echoes this sentiment, highlighting critical funding programs like Title 1, IDA, and Pell Grants that support low-income students and those with disabilities, reinforcing the government's commitment to educational equity (03:53).
Notable Quote:
John King: "The funding that the department provides is crucial. There's the Title 1 program that helps schools serving low income students." (03:53)
b. Implications of Abolishing the Department
The discussion shifts to the practical implications of eliminating the Department. John King expresses concern over the loss of civil rights enforcement related to education, emphasizing the Department's role in protecting students from discrimination (04:45).
Notable Quote:
John King: "It's the place that is protecting the rights of students. That would not be easy for another agency to do." (04:45)
Margaret Spellings questions the efficiency and practicality of dispersing the Department's responsibilities across multiple agencies, raising doubts about whether this approach would address the existing issues in the education system (05:20).
Notable Quote:
Margaret Spellings: "Does that mean then that local school districts and universities and colleges are going to have to interface with a multitude of agencies?" (05:20)
c. Historical Context and Current Challenges
Spellings and King draw parallels between the current administration's proposals and longstanding Republican critiques of the Department. Spellings warns that the focus on dismantling the Department diverts attention from critical issues like student achievement and educational quality (06:13).
Notable Quote:
Margaret Spellings: "It's two former education secretaries, Margaret Spellings and John King. Thank you so much to both of you for joining us." (10:07)*
John King emphasizes that the debate over the Department's existence distracts from urgent educational challenges, such as declining reading and math proficiency among students, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (08:29).
Notable Quote:
John King: "We're just debating whether or not the department should exist." (09:14)
4. The Broader State of Education: Challenges and Urgent Needs
The conversation transitions to the current state of American education, highlighting alarming data on student performance post-COVID. Both former secretaries express concern over the widening gaps in educational outcomes, especially for low-income and special needs students.
Notable Quote:
Margaret Spellings: "Our absenteeism across this country is just shocking and abhorrent." (09:24)
John King stresses the need for immediate action to improve educational outcomes, advocating for a national dialogue focused on enhancing reading and math proficiency and increasing high school graduation rates (08:14).
Notable Quote:
John King: "We should have our hair on fire about that. And we should be looking to national leaders to talk about what we do next to improve reading and math and high school graduation." (08:14)
5. Concluding Insights: The Future of the Department and Education in the U.S.
In wrapping up, Detrow summarizes the critical viewpoints shared by King and Spellings, emphasizing the Department of Education's pivotal role in maintaining educational equity, enforcing civil rights, and ensuring the efficient allocation of federal funding. The episode leaves listeners contemplating the profound impact of potentially abolishing the Department and underscores the urgency of addressing the nation's educational challenges beyond administrative restructuring.
Notable Quote:
Scott Detrow: "It's two former education secretaries, Margaret Spellings and John King. Thank you so much to both of you for joining us." (10:07)
Conclusion
This episode of "Consider This" provides a comprehensive examination of the Trump administration's proposal to abolish the Department of Education, juxtaposed with expert opinions that advocate for the Department's continued existence. By highlighting the Department's indispensable functions and the potential risks of its dissolution, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of a pivotal issue facing American education.
Produced by: Jordan Marie Smith and Alaina Burnett
Edited by: Courtney Dorning
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun
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