Why the Education Department Might Be More Trouble Than It's Worth

The recent government shutdown has sparked a fresh debate about the need for a federal Department of Education. While schools have continued to operate smoothly without federal oversight, the shutdown has highlighted the redundancy of the department. Local schools have remained open, teachers have been paid, and students have faced no disruptions. This raises the question: why is a federal department necessary when education functions well at the state and local levels? Critics argue that the federal bureaucracy adds unnecessary layers of regulation and waste. Despite its intended purpose of improving education, the department has failed to deliver measurable benefits to students or teachers. Special education programs, often cited as a reason for the department's existence, have also remained unaffected by the shutdown. Federal laws already guarantee rights for students with disabilities, and states manage these programs effectively on their own. In fact, federal involvement can sometimes hinder rather than help. Excessive paperwork and long processing times delay services, leaving students waiting for the support they need. The shutdown has also exposed the political gamesmanship that often drives federal decisions. While schools have carried on without interruption, federal employees have gone unpaid, highlighting the inefficiency of the system. Some argue that the Senate should pass a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown and begin addressing the waste within the federal government. The question remains: is the Department of Education truly necessary, or is it time to return education to the states?