The Department of Education (ED) announced they were moving multiple ED offices to other agencies, including the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and the Office of Post Secondary Education to the Department of Labor. These offices are responsible for K-12, general education programs, including Title I programs, the largest source of federal funding for education. While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would remain at ED, we believe that special education should not be separated from general education, and that K-12 education programs should be administered by a department focused on the education of students, as required by Congress.
Education programs don’t function independently. Policymakers and advocates have worked to improve the different federal education programs to further complement each other, creating a continuum of services and resources for students, educators, and families.
ED has the responsibility of oversight to ensure states and communities meet the minimum standards set by Congress. ED also facilitates knowledge sharing nationally to foster educational innovation that improves outcomes while lowering educational costs.
Please contact your Elected Officials today!