Shaking Up Education: Big Changes Coming to Federal Programs

The Education Department is making some serious moves. They're handing over big grant programs to other federal agencies. This is all part of a plan to shut down the department. The Trump administration is really pushing this idea. Six new deals have been signed. These deals move billions of dollars in grants to other agencies. The Department of Labor is taking over some big programs. This includes money for schools with low-income students. The Education Department says the funding will stay the same. But they didn't say if more jobs will be cut. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says this is about giving states more control. She thinks cutting bureaucracy in Washington will help. But not everyone agrees. Some people worry about the impact on students. The Education Department has been testing this idea since June. They moved adult education programs to the Labor Department. Now, they're doing it on a bigger scale. The goal is to show Congress that these changes work. They want to make the department unnecessary. Under the new plan, the Labor Department will handle most grant programs. This includes money for teacher training and helping low-income students go to college. The Education Department will still manage student loans and disability funding. But McMahon thinks other agencies could do a better job. Some people are against these changes. They say other agencies don't have the same expertise. They worry about the impact on vulnerable students. But the Education Department says their plan is legal and will make things more efficient. McMahon has been criticizing the department. She says it's become too big and ineffective. She points to falling test scores as proof. Her plan would give states more flexibility. But she needs Congress to approve it. The new deals are part of a bigger plan. The administration wants to show that schools can operate without the Education Department. McMahon is traveling to highlight successful local schools. She's also lobbying lawmakers to support her plan.