President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize funding for school choice programs, a move aimed at expanding education options for families, including military and Native American students. The order comes amid declining student performance in reading and math and aligns with Trump’s long-standing support for school choice initiatives.
Key Highlights of the Executive Order
The executive order aims to redirect federal funds to support private, charter, and faith-based schools, allowing more families to choose alternative education options.
1. Military Families Get School Choice Options
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is tasked with submitting a plan to Trump outlining how military families can use Defense Department funds for private or alternative schools.
- The initiative seeks to provide greater flexibility to military families who often move frequently due to service assignments.
2. Expanding School Choice Through Federal Grants
- The Department of Education is directed to prioritize school choice programs in its discretionary grant funding.
- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will issue guidance on how block grants for families and children can be used to support private and faith-based schools.
- The Interior Secretary (once confirmed) must create a plan for 47,000 Native American and Alaska Native students in Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, allowing them to use federal funds to attend other schools of their choosing.
3. Reviewing Federal Funding Formulas
- The Department of Education will provide guidance to states on how to use federal funding formulas to expand K-12 scholarship programs.
- This could enable state-level school choice initiatives, directing more funding toward private and charter school scholarships.
Can the Executive Order Bypass Congress?
It remains unclear how much authority the Trump administration has without Congress to redirect federal education funds.
- Most public school funding comes from state (44%) and local (43%) sources, while the federal government contributes only about 14%.
- Major policy shifts—such as tax breaks for private tuition—would require congressional approval.
Additionally, it is uncertain whether the Trump administration’s recent federal funding freeze will impact education grants. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the funding pause, adding to the uncertainty.
Why Is Trump Pushing for School Choice Now?
Trump’s school choice executive order coincides with the upcoming release of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2024 data, which is expected to show a record 40% of 4th graders failing to meet basic reading levels.
Key Findings from the NAEP Report:
- 4th and 8th grade reading scores have declined further, dropping two points since 2022.
- 70% of 8th graders are not proficient in reading.
- 72% of 8th graders are not proficient in math.
The White House document states:
“Every child deserves the best education available, regardless of their zip code. This executive order begins to rectify that wrong by opening up opportunities for students to attend the school that best fits their needs.”
Who Will Lead the Education Department?
Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and Small Business Administration chief, to lead the Department of Education.
- Denise Carter is currently serving as acting secretary until McMahon is confirmed by the Senate.
- McMahon is expected to advocate for school choice policies once confirmed.
Political Reactions and Legal Concerns
Support for the Executive Order:
- School choice advocates praise the move as a way to empower parents and expand educational opportunities.
- Conservative lawmakers argue that government-assigned education systems have failed millions of children, particularly in low-income communities.
Criticism and Legal Challenges:
- Democrats and teachers’ unions argue that diverting federal funds to private schools undermines public education.
- Legal experts question whether Trump has the authority to reallocate existing funds without congressional approval.
- The impact of Trump’s federal funding freeze remains uncertain, as a federal judge has blocked the spending pause temporarily.
What Happens Next?
- Trump is expected to sign the executive order on Wednesday.
- The NAEP 2024 education data will be released at midnight on Wednesday, likely fueling debate over school choice policies.
- The Department of Defense, Education, and Interior will begin developing plans to implement the order.
- Legal challenges may arise if the executive order conflicts with existing education laws.
Trump’s executive order on school choice could significantly reshape federal education funding, allowing more families—including military and Native American students—to use government funds for private and faith-based schools. However, legal and political hurdles remain, especially given the recent federal funding freeze and uncertainty over congressional approval.
As education performance continues to decline, the debate over public vs. private school funding will likely become a key policy issue in the coming months.