Understanding the Executive Order on the Department of Education

On March 20, 2025, the president signed an executive order entitled "Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities" aimed at shifting control of education policy from the federal government to state and local authorities. The order calls for steps to close the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that states and communities are better positioned to oversee education and ensure student success. However, the department was established by Congress in 1979, and its closure would necessitate legislative action.

The executive order outlines the administration’s position that federal oversight has not effectively improved academic performance, citing national test scores and the Department of Education’s operational costs. The administration contends that returning educational authority to states would streamline processes and better address local needs. The executive order also says closing the department will not interrupt “delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely."

Congressional support for closing the department is split, with some members of Congress  opposing  the plan, citing concerns about the impact on federal education funding and oversight.

SHRM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential effects on schools, teachers, and students across the country.