Executive Actions to Advance Reforms in Education Policy

Published by the Manhattan Institute, City Journal focuses on urban policy issues. Ilya Shapiro discusses how the administration could pursue reforms even after the Democratic Party gained control of Congress. While legislative changes, such as eliminating the Department of Education, seem unlikely without altering the Senate filibuster, the executive branch retains the capacity to initiate significant reform.

The Trump administration has already demonstrated the ability to cut personnel and transfer various departmental functions to other agencies. This shows that executive actions can create meaningful changes without needing Congress. The following are some proposed actions that could be pursued:

• Reassess Funding Allocations: Direct agencies to evaluate current funding distributions and prioritize areas that align with national objectives.
• Streamline Operations: Reduce bureaucratic obstacles by merging departments with overlapping functions, enhancing efficiency.
• Data Collection Improvement: Initiate comprehensive data collection methods for better analysis of education outcomes and policy impacts.
• Focus on Local Innovation: Encourage and support state and local-level education initiatives that demonstrate successful outcomes.
• Enhance School Choice: Implement policies to widen access to charter and private schools, providing more education options for families.

These actions, explored through executive authority, offer a pathway for maintaining progress despite legislative barriers. As administrative methods evolve, these steps can reshape the education landscape to better serve future generations.