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Edward M. Mazze[/caption]
President Donald Trump has been clear that he wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Trump and other critics argue that this federal agency has done little to improve K-12 and postsecondary education. But rather than eliminating this department, a new education secretary and the administration’s new government efficiency initiative may be able to make it better.
Our education system needs to provide graduates with more job opportunities, a good living income, a chance to move forward in their careers and the ability to deal with economic, social and technological hurdles. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 70% of all jobs by 2027 will require education or training beyond high school. Graduates will need to have critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our economy and society need well-rounded individuals who are open-minded and can work as part of a team.
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Candace Mazze[/caption]
Business leaders continually express their concern about the lack of qualified workers needed to grow their companies. Businesses want to play a greater role in working with our educational institutions. They seek graduates with a background in a number of areas, including science, mathematics, technology and communications. Among their immediate concern is whether our schools will be able to provide the expertise needed to fill positions in fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The U.S. Department of Education can play an important role with schools, colleges, parents, the business community, and regional and professional association accrediting agencies in developing education-to-employment and work-based learning programs. The accrediting agencies are responsible for establishing and monitoring the educational requirements for licensing professions and awarding college degrees. These agencies serve as an entrance to a number of critical employment sectors and job opportunities.
The Department of Education has come under attack by Congress and the U.S. General Accounting Office for poor oversight and promoting divisive programs. The mission of the department when it was established in 1979 was to promote student achievement so that students would be able to compete in the global marketplace. The objective was to make sure everyone in the United States had access to a good educational system no matter where they lived. The department now wants to make sure that every student also has a pathway to postsecondary education and training.
It also provides significant funding to schools and postsecondary institutions to support many educational programs, including work-study and job preparation. For example, Rhode Island K-12 schools received $335 million in federal funds or $2,440 per student in 2024. In addition, federal funds averaging $3,660 per student were awarded to students at Rhode Island postsecondary institutions. These funds and programs may disappear if the department is eliminated and its activities distributed among other government agencies.
The U.S. Department of Education should be responsive to state needs since each state is responsible for its own educational system. It has to reevaluate its mission, reduce its bureaucracy and do away with policies, procedures and regulations that do not meet federal and state educational goals.
Edward M. Mazze is the former dean of the University of Rhode Island College of Business and is a distinguished professor of business administration. Candace Mazze is an educational consultant in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
