WASHINGTON — In a move that has sparked widespread discussion and concern, the Department of Education is in the preliminary stages of possibly transitioning the oversight of federal special education programs to another agency. This decision follows the recent layoffs of nearly the entire special education division, bringing uncertainty to the future of these crucial programs.
Proposed Transition of Special Education Programs to the Department of Health and Human Services
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has previously indicated plans to transfer the special education program to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aligning with President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to dismantle the Education Department and redistribute its functions across various government branches, reports USA Today.
Related Article: 12 School Emergency Strategies that Protect Students with Disabilities
Madi Biedermann, a spokeswoman for the Education Department, stated, “The Department is exploring additional partnerships with federal agencies to support special education programs without any interruption or impact on students with disabilities.”
Biedermann emphasized that no formal agreements have been finalized yet and assured that funding for the current school year has already been allocated to states.
Potential Implications for Students with Disabilities
This potential realignment marks a significant step in the Trump administration’s effort to minimize the Education Department’s influence. However, it raises numerous questions regarding the potential effects on families of students with disabilities, particularly in light of the need for Congressional approval to dismantle the department and reassign its major functions.
In a related development, earlier this year, the administration managed to reassign career, technical, and adult education grants to the Labor Department through a strategic agreement, reports the Washington Post. This move bypassed legal restrictions by maintaining Education Department oversight while collaborating with Labor.
The recent layoffs, attributed to the government shutdown, affected 465 employees, including 121 from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, who were tasked with ensuring the proper allocation of funds.
Related Article: Human Rights Campaign: 30% of LGBTQ+ Students Diagnosed with Disability
The conversation about transferring special education to HHS, including the $15 billion Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program, has been ongoing. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed readiness to assume responsibility for supporting individuals with special needs. However, Kennedy faces criticism for his vaccine skepticism and controversial statements about autism.
As discussions continue, concerns are mounting among advocacy groups focused on education and disability rights. The potential shift of the special education program away from a dedicated education department has fueled apprehension about the impact on program quality and oversight.
