Why the Department of Education Matters More Than Ever

When we think about what makes a school successful, we often focus on teachers, students, and curriculum. Behind the scenes, the Department of Education (DOE) plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of education across the country. From ensuring schools have the resources to set academic standards that prepare students for the future, the DOE is an essential pillar of the education system.

Yet, despite its critical role, we find ourselves at the precipice of the DOE being dismantled. Some argue that education policy should be handled entirely at the state or local level, but removing federal oversight could create vast disparities in educational quality, leaving millions of students behind.

So, what exactly does the DOE do—and what’s at stake if it were eliminated?

What Does the Department of Education Do?

At its core, the DOE exists to support equitable, high-quality education for all students—regardless of their background, income level, or zip code. Its primary functions include:

1. Funding Schools & Programs

The DOE provides billions of dollars in federal funding to states, school districts, and programs that support everything from early childhood education to college affordability. Title I funding, for example, provides additional resources to low-income schools, helping students who might otherwise be left behind.

2. Ensuring Equal Access to Education

A core mission of the DOE is to protect students’ civil rights and ensure that every child—regardless of race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status—has access to quality education. Programs like Title IX, which protects against gender discrimination in schools, and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which guarantees support for students with disabilities, were made possible because of federal oversight.

3. Setting Academic Standards & Accountability

While individual states control their curriculum, the DOE helps establish national benchmarks for academic success. Without federal guidance, disparities between states could widen, leading to students in one state being far less prepared for college and careers than their peers elsewhere.

4. Supporting Teachers & Schools

The DOE provides funding for professional development, teacher training, and school improvement programs. Federal grants help educators access new teaching strategies, classroom technology, and support networks that make a real difference in student outcomes.

5. Advancing Education Through Research & Innovation

By studying what works in education, the DOE provides valuable data that informs policy and classroom practices. Programs that support STEM education, literacy initiatives, and college preparedness are all backed by DOE-led research.

What’s at Stake If the DOE Is Eliminated?

If the DOE were to be dismantled, the consequences could be devastating for students, teachers, and schools across the country. Here’s what’s at stake:

1. Increased Educational Inequality

Without federal funding and oversight, wealthier states and districts could continue to invest heavily in their schools, while lower-income areas struggle with outdated materials, underpaid teachers, and limited student support services. The achievement gap—already a pressing issue—would likely widen.

2. Loss of Protections for Vulnerable Students

The DOE enforces laws that protect students from discrimination and ensure access to special education services. Without federal intervention, states would have more freedom to roll back these protections, potentially harming students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and those from marginalized communities.

3. Disruptions in School Funding

Many schools rely on federal funds to support everything from free and reduced lunch programs to special education services. If the DOE were eliminated, states would need to fill that funding gap—something many simply cannot afford to do.

4. A Patchwork of Inconsistent Standards

Right now, national benchmarks ensure that students across the U.S. are receiving a baseline level of education that prepares them for the workforce and higher education. Without the DOE, states could have wildly different standards, leaving students in some states far less prepared than others.

5. Weakening of Public Education

Without federal investment, public schools would face even more financial strain, leading to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and fewer opportunities for students—especially in lower-income communities. This could accelerate the movement toward privatization, making quality education less accessible to those who can’t afford private schools.

Why This Matters for Educators and Families

The Department of Education is more than just a bureaucracy—it’s a lifeline for millions of students and educators. Whether it’s ensuring that a student with disabilities receives the support they need, helping teachers access classroom resources, or making sure that schools in every state are held to high standards, the DOE plays an essential role in shaping the future of education.

At Kids Discover, we believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education—it’s a right, not a privilege. Ensuring educational equity means providing teachers with the resources, support, and innovative tools they need to engage students, spark curiosity, and foster long-term success. Our mission aligns with the DOE’s commitment to leveling the playing field for all learners, and we remain dedicated to empowering educators with the resources that help every student reach their full potential.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to advocate for strong, well-funded public education. The future of our students—and our nation—depends on it.