Key Takeaways
- The US Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, plans to partially dismantle the Department of Education and return education authority to the states.
- The Department of Education was established in 1979 and has since intervened in education policy by providing funding and imposing regulations on schools.
- Canada has no federal department of education, and education is solely a provincial responsibility, with each province responsible for teacher certification, curriculum standards, and school facilities.
- Despite spending more on K-12 education, the US gets worse academic results compared to Canada, with Canadian students scoring higher in math, reading, and science on international tests.
- The Department of Education’s existence has not improved academic achievement in the US over the last 20 years.
Introduction to the Department of Education
The US Department of Education, established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, has been a topic of debate among politicians and educators for decades. While many have pledged to abolish the department, it seems that President Donald Trump may be the first to make good on this promise. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has announced plans to partially dismantle the department and return education authority to the states. This move is not typical of cabinet secretaries, who usually seek to expand their departments and grow their influence. Instead, McMahon’s plan aligns with Trump’s pledge to "facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States."
Opposition to the Plan
Not surprisingly, McMahon’s announcement has attracted opposition from various educators, unions, and school districts. A coalition has launched a lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration, claiming that McMahon does not have the authority to dismantle the department and that the process has been "unpredictable, chaotic, and unprofessional." The legality of McMahon’s plan is debatable, but one thing is certain – schools can function effectively without oversight from a federal department. Canada’s education system serves as a prime example of this.
Canada’s Education System
Unlike the US, Canada has no federal department of education. Education is solely a provincial responsibility, with each province responsible for teacher certification, curriculum standards, and school facilities. Most provinces have devolved decision-making powers to local school boards, allowing for more autonomy and flexibility. Additionally, three provinces have fully funded public Catholic school systems, and all provinces have independent schools, with some receiving public funding. Canada’s approach to education is widely accepted as not being a federal issue, freeing the country from intrusive federal initiatives like the No Child Left Behind Act.
Comparing Education Spending and Results
The US spends more on K-12 education than Canada, with $15,799 spent per student in 2021 compared to $13,349 in Canada. Moreover, the US spent 3.5% of its economy on K-12 education in 2021, compared to 3.2% in Canada. Despite this, the US gets worse academic results. On the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests, Canada scored higher in math, reading, and science, with Canadian students being slightly ahead in reading, nearly a full grade level ahead in science, and 1.5 grade levels ahead in math. The US has seen essentially flat academic achievement over the last 20 years, suggesting that centralizing education under a federal department has not improved student achievement.
Conclusion and Implications
One can only hope that Linda McMahon follows through on her plan to partially dismantle the Department of Education. This would be a positive step forward for education in the US. By decentralizing education and giving more autonomy to states and local school boards, the US may be able to improve academic achievement and reduce the burden of federal regulations. Canada’s education system serves as a model for the US, demonstrating that education can thrive without a federal department. As the US continues to grapple with education policy, it is essential to consider alternative approaches, like Canada’s, and to prioritize student achievement and success above bureaucratic interests.
