On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better

March 20, 2025

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Action Summary

Historical Spending Concerns: Since 1979, over $3 trillion spent by the U.S. Department of Education with little measurable improvement.
Stagnant Student Achievement: Despite a 245% increase in per-pupil spending, standardized test scores have remained flat for decades.
Low Proficiency Levels:
- Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds at their lowest in decades.
- Approximately 60% of fourth graders and nearly 75% of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
- About 70% of both fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, with 40% of fourth graders not meeting basic reading levels.
International Rankings: U.S. students rank 28th out of 37 OECD countries in math.
Administrative Shift: The Trump Administration advocates for transferring education oversight from the federal level to individual states to tailor programs to local needs and reduce federal bureaucracy.
Strategic Vision: Challenge the status quo by empowering states for increased educational freedom and improved student outcomes.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s emphasis on returning educational control to states could lead to significant variability in educational standards and quality across the country. This decentralization may result in disparities in educational outcomes, which could affect the preparedness of students entering higher education institutions like Vanderbilt University.
There is a potential risk that reduced federal oversight might lead to inconsistencies in educational policies, which could complicate Vanderbilt’s efforts to maintain a diverse and well-prepared student body.
The focus on educational freedom and state control may lead to increased competition among educational institutions, potentially impacting public schools’ resources and sustainability. This could affect the pipeline of students entering universities.
Vanderbilt University may need to adapt its recruitment and admissions strategies to account for the diverse educational backgrounds of students coming from different state systems.

Impacted Programs

Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to increase its focus on research related to state-level educational policy and its impacts on student outcomes. This could present opportunities for collaboration with state education departments.
Vanderbilt’s Admissions Office might need to adjust its evaluation criteria to accommodate students from a wider range of educational systems and standards.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a vital role in supporting local schools and communities as they navigate changes in educational policy and funding.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with public schools for teacher training and student teaching placements may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with state-specific educational policies.

Financial Impact

The shift towards state-controlled education could alter the funding landscape for public schools, potentially affecting financial support for traditional public education systems.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if state-level grants and partnerships become more prevalent. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and collaborations.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in state-specific educational policy and reform.
As educational freedom becomes more prevalent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in federal education policy to understand how the shift towards state-administered education programs might impact funding and regulatory requirements. This will help the university align its strategies with new state-level educational priorities.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development should explore partnerships with state education departments to develop and implement innovative educational programs that align with the administration’s focus on educational freedom and state control. This could enhance Vanderbilt’s influence in shaping state education policies.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of shifting educational control to states, analyzing potential impacts on educational equity and access. This research can provide valuable insights for policymakers and contribute to the national conversation on education reform.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office should assess how changes in federal education policy might affect student demographics and financial aid needs, particularly if states implement new educational choice initiatives. Adapting financial aid strategies will be essential to attract and support a diverse student body.

Opportunities

The shift towards state-administered education programs presents an opportunity for Peabody College to expand its research and development of state-specific educational models. By leveraging its expertise, Peabody can contribute to the design and evaluation of effective state-level education programs.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on educational freedom by developing new programs and partnerships with state education departments. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative curriculum development, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the education sector.
The emphasis on empowering states to expand educational opportunities offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Child and Family Policy to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how state education policies are shaped and implemented.
By engaging with state education leaders and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the conversation on state-led educational reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of state-administered education policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative educational thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The shift towards state-administered education programs requires major process changes for Vanderbilt to align with new state-level priorities and opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadlines or timelines were mentioned for the implementation of the proposed education directives.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

U.S. Department of Education: Criticized for decades of high spending with little improvement in student outcomes, this agency is central to the proposed reforms in educational policy and practice.
State Education Agencies: As the proposal shifts the control of education from the federal level to individual states, state agencies are poised to assume increased responsibility in tailoring educational programs to local needs.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one or two agencies are directly impacted by the proposed policy shifts.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text discusses a policy shift toward state control of education but does not specify any particular officials responsible for implementing such directives.

Relevance Score: 1 (No specific directives impacting particular officials were identified.)