Federal Court Blocks Efforts to Dismantle Dept of Education, New Priorities Focus on School Choice and Basic Skills

The top story from the Department of Education this week: a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to dismantle the Department itself by firing thousands of its employees. The administration had claimed the mass terminations were about efficiency, but the court found the real aim was to fulfill President Trump’s campaign promise to shutter the agency—something that can’t happen without Congress. Judge Myong Joun wrote that the evidence “abundantly reveals” the true intention was to “effectively dismantle the Department without an authorizing statute,” and ordered the department to reinstate employees terminated since January to restore services for students, families, and states. This decision immediately impacts millions of Americans who rely on federal education services, as well as state and local agencies that depend on consistent federal support for schools and programs. This ruling comes as the department, under Secretary Linda McMahon, has been rolling out new policies with a heavy focus on school choice, state control, and a return to “back-to-basics” learning. In her words: “It is critical that we immediately address this year’s dismal reading and math scores by getting back to the basics, expanding learning options, and making sure decisions in education are made closest to the child.” She’s proposed three major priorities for future federal grants: evidence-based literacy programs, expanded school choice initiatives, and devolving more authority to the states. These grant priorities, currently open for public comment, signal a shift away from previous focuses like teaching workforce diversity and social-emotional learning. Another headline: funding for charter schools is up this year, with an immediate $60 million increase to the Charter Schools Program. This boosts the total program budget and aims to help families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. But with the department’s shifting stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, some critics, including state educators and advocacy groups, warn that many vulnerable student populations could lose ground. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights has launched a high-profile Title VI investigation into Fairfax County Public Schools, reflecting a ramp-up in enforcement activities. And for millions with student loans, after years of pandemic-related pauses, the department is resuming collection on defaulted loans, affecting over five million borrowers currently in default. Secretary McMahon stated, “American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies," and the department is enlisting state and institutional partners to help reach borrowers and emphasize borrower responsibility. Looking ahead, the proposed grant priorities are open for public comment for 30 days. Educators, parents, and local officials are encouraged to engage with the process and share feedback directl This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.