End the DOE

Since 1979 the Department of Education (DOE) has steadily grown its empire. The fear that was once shared by Democrats and Republicans alike has become reality: the federal government has seized power from parents and local educators and now exerts unprecedented influence in our nation's classrooms. Its $14.5 billion budget in 1979 now pales in comparison to the almost $70 billion it spends annually — an increase that has not been accompanied by improved student outcomes. The addiction to federal largesse has hurt students everywhere, with mass standardization and college debt being the most obvious side effects.

Market-based reforms do not occur as a result of policy and regulations — they can only occur in the absence of bureaucracy. This article will evaluate the DOE's effectiveness in each of its four primary activities and make the case to end federal involvement in education.

Activity #1: The DOE establishes policies relating to federal financial aid for education, administers distribution of those funds, and monitors their use.

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