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In its recent reporting, K-12 Dive outlines a historic restructuring at the U.S. Department of Education, with the Trump administration announcing the transfer of six federal education programs to other agencies. The programs include:
The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
The Office of Postsecondary Education’s institution-based grants to the DOL.
Indian education programs to the U.S. Department of Interior.
On-campus child care support for parents enrolled in college to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Foreign medical accreditation to HHS.
International education and foreign language studies programs to the U.S. Department of State.
While the move reflects a broader push to decentralize federal authority and shift more decision-making to states, the practical implications remain far from clear. Transferring oversight of programs such as elementary and secondary education initiatives to the Department of Labor or international education programs to the Department of State represents a fundamental philosophical shift about the federal role in education — but not yet a roadmap for how these functions will be supported, staffed, or strategically aligned within their new homes. For educators, institutions, and families, the most important takeaway is that we are in a moment of uncertainty rather than conclusion. The K-12 Dive article makes clear that these changes do not currently affect major areas like special education, civil rights enforcement, or student financial aid, but officials also signaled that additional shifts are still being explored. Until we see detailed transition plans, timelines, and operational guidance, it will be difficult to fully understand how program quality, continuity, and accountability will be preserved.
The U.S. Department of Education’s press release can be found here:
The U.S. Department of Education is transferring management of six programs to other federal agencies in the Trump administration’s continued push to eventually close the agency and give states more control over education funding decisions, according to a Tuesday announcement.
