Okay, enough with the preaching, let’s get to the educating. In particular, join us as we explore this balancing act between state and federal power. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Isn't education a state thing?" And you’re not, at least not entirely. The Tenth Amendment expressly holds that whatever powers are not delegated to the federal government are retained by the states. What this means is that education is primarily a state responsibility.
Here’s where things get fun! There’s a ton of potential for positive impact and my heart races with excitement at the prospect. States have long played an important role in shaping education standards. I think a lawsuit challenging the Education Department’s efforts to require equitable education within and between states is misdirected and potentially damaging. I believe it undermines the crucial role the federal government plays in leveling the playing field for all students, regardless of where they live.
Think of it this way: federal involvement isn't about taking over. It's about ensuring everyone gets a fair shot. It's about setting minimum standards and providing resources to help states meet those standards, especially for disadvantaged students.
Now, I get it – some of y’all are going to come out here and say that the feds are overreaching. In response, advocates for increased federal funding for public schools point out that federal funding contributes a modest share to overall public school revenue – just 8% on average. We know that’s true, it’s actually not even 10%. That 10% can be a federal lifeline—especially if they’re schools located in districts that have been chronically underfunded.
With that money comes strings attached, guidelines to make sure that money is spent in a way that’s most effective and equitable. Big programs, such as Title I and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), invariably come with major strings attached. They set a vision through funding and guidance, while still offering states flexibility to implement their own vision. It’s a fine line to walk!
Let’s face it, no two states have the same funding, or even state willingness, to educate or support their faculty for online development. Some states have long made the choice to underfund their schools, exacerbating inequities through their diffused power over resources, teacher quality, and ultimately student outcomes. Without meaningful federal oversight, these disparities may continue to increase, especially disadvantaging students in states like Mississippi and Alabama.
I think back to when I first read about the Texas school finance system case, San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez. It emphasized the ways in which state education funding models can unintentionally run afoul of the equal protection clause, severely affecting students within the poorest districts. This is exactly why we need a federal backstop.
As many critics claim, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) moved K–12 accountability and teacher evaluation responsibilities back to the states. This amendment has been highly controversial between educators and policymakers. That’s kind of correct! That’s precisely the wrong approach in an era when ESSA was supposed to empower states with more control. It didn’t remove all federal oversight altogether. The Department of Education should play an active role in making sure that states are doing right by all students. That’s particularly critical for communities that have been historically underserved.
I too empathize with the concerns over EPA overreach. No one wants the federal government telling teachers what to teach or micromanaging local schools. And fortunately, the Department of Education is legally barred by Congress from requiring any specific curriculum. It’s all about giving support and guidance—not driving a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach.
The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education pours billions into… What are they working to advance? Expanding and increasing the funding and availability of CTE programs in high schools and community colleges. We’ve seen how federal funding can positively prepare students for the 21st century workforce. It strengthens local economies, putting money back into communities that need it most.
Don’t get me started on the role of higher education. The Department of Education supplies a tremendous amount of financial aid through loans and Pell Grants. This investment helps make the dream of a college education a real possibility for millions of students. Providing access to these critical programs strengthens social mobility and allows all Americans the opportunity to follow their dreams.
What occurs when protections meant to serve marginalized students are rolled back? What happens when the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is unable to keep up with the growing caseload of complaints? This is where the role of the federal government gets even more important. We can’t afford to be wrong on behalf of any student. This includes students with disabilities, students of color, immigrant students and their families, and LGBTQ+ students.
Consider those state policies that disproportionately benefit higher income families, such as tax credit scholarships and merit-based scholarships. Such policies further deepen inequities in access and outcomes in our education system. To address these trends, the federal government should play a stronger role by investing more directly in students from low-income backgrounds.
I've seen firsthand how state-level decisions on educational equity can impact student success. Gaps in degree attainment between White and non-White adults have widened—especially for Black adults—for decades. This is totally unacceptable! We should not give up on deserving students and we must make certain that they all have the tools and support required to reach their highest potential.
And what about those lawsuits challenging the Education Department's actions, like the one seeking to restore borrowers' access to income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness? These programs are key to enabling students to afford their education and enter careers in public service. Further undermining these programs would be catastrophic for millions of borrowers.
So what’s next? Past efforts have failed because we haven’t accepted the premise that education is a collective responsibility. States are the principal governments power under our system. We can’t do it without you. The federal government plays a critical role in our ability to advance equity and opportunity for all. We must work together to create a system that truly serves each one of those students, equally. That includes taking their individual circumstances and their zip codes into account.
And of course, the excitement of the learning itself! When we invest in education, we're not just investing in individuals, we're investing in our future. Together, we’re building a smarter, civically engaged, and economically competitive nation. And that’s definitely something to jubilate about.
On balance, diluting the federal presence in public education would be a mistake. It would deepen the inequities we know already exist and further disadvantage our most vulnerable students. We need to increase the federal government’s priorities on education. It should be no different when it comes to making sure that every student has access to myriad high-quality education options. Since when every student has a fair shot at success, we all do. And that’s a future worth fighting for—grinning from ear to ear!
