WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s potential presidency could herald significant shifts in U.S. education policy. His campaign focuses on “saving American education” by advocating parental rights and promoting universal school choice, presenting a stark contrast to the Biden administration’s education stance. With Trump poised for a return to the White House, here’s an overview of his education policy positions.
Eliminating the U.S. Education Department
Trump’s most ambitious education reform involves dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. This 45-year-old agency, which primarily supports education through funding, is not responsible for curriculum setting. Trump advocates returning education oversight “back to the states,” though states already manage most K-12 school funding.
Funding and Policy Changes
Trump proposes increased funding for states and schools aligned with his educational vision, including a “Parental Bill of Rights” for curriculum transparency and universal school choice. He suggests preferential funding for schools eliminating “teacher tenure” in favor of “merit pay” and supports direct elections for principals and reducing administrators. Trump plans to establish a credentialing body for teachers who “embrace patriotic values” and opposes federal funding for schools teaching “critical race theory” or “gender ideology,” while reversing some Biden-era Title IX regulations.
Higher Education and Student Debt
Trump criticizes Biden’s student loan forgiveness, deeming it “not even legal,” and may halt such initiatives. He could repeal the stalled SAVE plan, which aims to lower loan payments and repayment time. The 2024 GOP platform calls for affordable higher education, firing “Radical Left accreditors,” and creating cost-effective alternatives to traditional degrees. Trump’s “American Academy” proposal envisions a free online university funded by taxing large private university endowments.
Project 2025 and Conservative Agendas
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 outlines a conservative education agenda that could impact future policies. Although Trump disavows the think tank’s blueprint, some members of his former administration contributed to it. The proposal includes abolishing the U.S. Education Department, altering Title IX regulations, and limiting federal involvement in education to data collection.
Teachers Unions Respond
“The voters have spoken. While we hoped and fought for a different outcome, we respect both their will and the peaceful transfer of power,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stated. Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, expressed similar sentiments, acknowledging the unexpected election outcome and its implications for students and families.
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