The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter, has been a point of contention, particularly among conservatives who argue for its abolition. Despite multiple Republican administrations advocating for its closure, the department has persisted, playing a significant role in education by monitoring performance, enforcing civil rights, and providing funding for high-poverty schools and students with disabilities. The department’s functions include distributing financial aid and promoting evidence-based practices, but it only funds a small percentage of K-12 education costs.
Ending the U.S. Department of Education: What it Would Mean and why Trump and Project 2025 Want it
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