Yesterday, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D) introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” which would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute all critical federal programs under other departments.
“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” said Rounds. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education[...] Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C."
There are several important programs housed within the Department. Senator Rounds’ legislation would redirect these programs to Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State, as follows:
Department of the Interior - Native American-Serving Institutions Programs
- Alaska Native Education Equity Program
- American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
- Indian Education Formula Grants and National Activities
- Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program
- Native Hawaiian Education
- Special Programs for Indian Children
- Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program
- Impact Aid Programs
Department of the Treasury - William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
- Federal Family Education Loan Program
- Federal Perkins Loan Program
- Federal Pell Grant Program
- Health Education Assistance Loan Program
- Education Sciences Reform Act
Department of Health and Human Services - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- American Printing House for the Blind
- Helen Keller Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults
- Federal Real Property Assistance Program
- Special Education Grants
Department of Labor - All Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education programs
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf
- Randolph Sheppard Vending Facility Program
- Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants
Department of State
AACS will continue to monitor the progress of the bill and any action that the new administration takes with regards to the Department of Education.
For more information: Returning Education to Our States Act Press Release | 
