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As the second Trump administration gets ready to take office in January 2025 in Washington, D.C., national education policy is poised for significant changes. Analyzing the potential strategies of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance highlights their critical perspectives on public K-12 and higher education, indicating a push for substantial reforms based on their previous statements and actions. 

Tennessee receives $1.8 billion in Title I, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and other federal funding each year, supporting low-income students, students with disabilities, and school lunch programs. We need those federal dollars. The Department of Education will likely be reduced or eliminated, as this is the newly stated administration’s goal. In that case, there will need to be a transition, and safeguards will need to be put in place to protect students and keep federal funding ongoing or replace it with state dollars. 

The US Department of Education has struggled to meet its goals; many see it as very politicized. The issues we face stem from the government’s tendency to expand, leading to duplicate and unnecessary programs. Bureaucrats often believe they can better serve the public with more power and funding, but the American Dream is not about growing the government. The federal government could implement a block grant system and streamlined approach, allowing states and communities to tailor spending to their needs. This could encourage innovation and accountability, as states must demonstrate academic improvement to access federal funds. There are considerable disparities in funding and resources in every state and community. 

Donald Trump has long advocated for abolishing the Federal Education Department, arguing that states should regain control over education policies. However, achieving this goal would likely face significant challenges in Congress. Trump advocates for the privatization of K-12 education through voucher systems, enabling parents to use public funds for private schools. This initiative aligns with the broader Republican objective of minimizing federal oversight in education. 

Donald Trump plans to change school curricula by moving away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) themes, instead emphasizing workforce readiness. His administration will likely pursue restrictions on the teaching of critical race theory and gender-related subjects. 

Trump has warned that schools and universities may face funding cuts if they do not align with his views on education, particularly regarding DEI and transgender rights. This has created a sense of uncertainty within academic institutions. Taxing university endowments, as promoted by Trump regarding “wokeism,” could have significant impacts on funding for higher education. 

With Republicans in control of Congress, Trump’s educational goals may receive more substantial support than during his previous administration, potentially resulting in more aggressive actions against various institutions. The Trump administration may seek to expand executive powers to limit federal funding based on compliance with its educational policies, potentially circumventing Congressional approval. 

Educational leaders are preparing for a challenging landscape for vulnerable student populations while navigating the uncertainty of upcoming policies. The new Trump administration must establish a timeline and clarify what will happen to federal protections of students’ rights in education under civil rights laws.  

The relevant laws include Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin; Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination; and Section 504, which protects individuals with disabilities. The Age Discrimination Act safeguards against age discrimination, while FERPA allows parents access to education records. The PPRA grants parents’ rights concerning student data, and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act prohibits segregation based on race or national origin. Furthermore, the Department of Education provides technical assistance to enhance the protection of student privacy. 

For many, this signals a potentially tumultuous educational environment under Trump and Vance, with far-reaching consequences for public education, higher education funding, and the overall academic freedom of institutions. However, if done correctly, we could also create a more responsive education system. We should collect data, research, and best practices on schools and share that information with the public, educators, and policymakers. Every agency deserves regular scrutiny; the US Department of Education is no exception. 

Like every new administration, now we watch, wait and react. Let the debate continue.

JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.