Public School: The Intended Equalizer

As one of the cornerstones of our country, public education provides every child a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plays a critical role in making sure that opportunity exists for all Americans. While its purpose is sometimes misunderstood, the reasons the DOE was created are still relevant today, and its work is part of our shared investment in the future.

What Is the U.S. Department of Education?

The DOE was established in 1979 to improve access to education and ensure quality across the nation. Before its creation, education was mostly managed at the state and local levels, which led to wide disparities in access. A child’s ability to attend a good school often depended on where they lived, their family’s income, or other factors completely outside of their control. The DOE’s mission is simple: to promote educational excellence, ensure equal access, and help prepare students for the challenges of the future.

The Critical Role DOE Plays

Contrary to what some might think, the DOE doesn’t run schools or set curricula. Instead, it focuses on federal funding, enforcing education laws, and collecting data to improve education outcomes. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes player that helps schools, teachers, and students succeed.

The DOE’s responsibilities are broad, but here are some of its key functions:

1. Distributes Federal Funding. The DOE provides billions of dollars in grants and financial aid to states, school districts, and students. This includes funding for low-income schools, special education programs, and Pell Grants for college students.
2. Collects and Analyzes Data. The DOE gathers data on everything from graduation rates to teacher qualifications. This information helps identify gaps in education and informs policies to address them.
3. Supports Research and Innovation. The DOE funds research to improve teaching methods, develop new technologies, and find ways to close achievement gaps.
4. Enforces Civil Rights Laws. The DOE ensures that schools comply with laws like Title IX (which prohibits sex discrimination) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees students with disabilities access to free and appropriate education.
5. Administers Student Loans. The DOE oversees federal student aid programs, including loans and grants, to help make college more affordable.

The DOE ensures that students from all backgrounds (regardless of disability, income, gender, or race) have equal access to a quality education. Programs like Title I help fund schools in low-income areas, such as those in rural communities, providing resources they might otherwise lack. The DOE reinforces compliance with laws like IDEA, providing critical support for vulnerable students such as those with disabilities who, because of the DOE, receive the accommodations they need to succeed (504 plans, IDPs, etc.).

As administrators of federal student aid programs, the DOE makes higher education accessible and affordable(ish) for millions of students who might not be able to puruse it otherwise. Think of aid as an investment. Typically education results in higher income and higher income benefits the economy.

And by collecting and analyzing data, the DOE enables transparency, identifying disparities in education and holding schools accountable for addressing them.

Misconceptions About the DOE

It’s also important to clarify what the DOE does not do because there’s a lot of confusion out there. Things that are out of the DOE's scope include setting curricula or teaching standards (that’s up to states and local school districts), running individual schools or hiring teachers, and mandating standardized tests (though it does provide guidelines).

• “The DOE controls what’s taught in schools.” Nope. Curricula and teaching standards are determined at the state and local levels. The DOE provides funding and guidelines but doesn’t dictate what’s taught. State and local governments are responsible for setting standards for their communities.
• “The DOE is just about student loans.” While student loans are a big part of its work, the DOE’s scope is much broader, including K-12 education, civil rights enforcement, and research.
• "The DOE is wasteful.” Like any large organization, the DOE isn’t perfect, but its funding and programs are subject to oversight and audits to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

The Risks of Not Having These Protections and Programs

Without the Department of Education and the programs it supports, we risk:

• Economic Instability. A less educated workforce means fewer skilled workers, lower productivity, and slower economic growth.
• Loss of Opportunity. Programs that help students afford college, access special education services, or receive support in underserved areas could disappear, leaving millions without a path to success.
• Weakened Democracy. Education isn’t just about jobs; it’s about creating informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities in a free society.
• Widening Income Inequality. Children in underfunded districts could fall further behind, creating a cycle of poverty that’s hard to break.

Final Thoughts

Public education isn’t just about teaching kids math or reading, it’s about creating informed, capable citizens who can contribute to society. Investing in education is an investment in innovation, economic growth, and a stronger democracy. Public schools are also the great equalizer, giving every child (no matter their zip code) a chance to succeed.

Even if you don’t have kids in school, the benefits of strong public education affect all of us. A well-educated workforce drives the economy, lowers crime rates, and fosters innovation. Programs funded by the DOE, like free or reduced lunch, early childhood education, and vocational training, help ensure that every child has the tools they need to thrive. The DOE also supports adult education programs, helping workers retrain for new careers or improve their skills in a rapidly changing job market.

The U.S. Department of Education isn’t perfect, and it’s okay to have questions or concerns about its role. But at its core, the DOE exists to support students, teachers, and families, not to control or complicate education.

So, whether you’re for it, against it, or just trying to figure it out, our focus should be making sure every student has the tools and resources they need to succeed. After all, isn’t that what education is all about?