The Future of Special Education: What Happens If the Department of Education Shuts Down?

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign an executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. The decision is based on assessments that the department has not improved student achievement despite spending over $3 trillion since its establishment in 1979. The administration's rationale includes returning educational authority to states, reducing federal involvement in education, promoting state-level innovation, and fulfilling a campaign promise. The department has an annual budget of $268 billions and staff of 4,000.

The administration points to declining national test scores, particularly in literacy, as evidence that federal oversight has not improved educational outcomes. Critics of the department believe that state-level management would allow for more customized approaches to improving education quality.

History of the Department of Education

The Department of Education was first established in 1867 under President Andrew Johnson with the purpose of collecting data and helping states improve schools. Due to concerns about federal overreach, it was later reduced to an office within other federal departments.

The modern Department of Education was created in 1979 during President Jimmy Carter's administration, when it was separated from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Its purposes included overseeing federal aid, enforcing civil rights laws in education, and ensuring equal access to quality education. The department was established to expand federal funding for education, ensure equal access for marginalized groups, enforce civil rights laws in schools, and promote national education standards.

Literacy and Dyslexia Issues

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores show that literacy rates have declined since the Department of Education was established, with COVID-19 accelerating this trend. Current data indicates that 40% of students are at Level 1 (two or more years behind grade level), 30% are at Level 2 (still two years behind), and only 30% are proficient (Levels 3 and 4).

Students with dyslexia face particular challenges in the current education system. These students typically require adequate structured literacy (tier 1) instruction, which is not universally provided in schools. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model used in special education often delays intervention until students have demonstrated ongoing academic difficulties.

Potential Effects of Department Closure

If the Department of Education closes, control over education funding and policy will shift to individual states. This transfer would affect education programs, special education funding, and intervention services such as dyslexia tutoring.

Services for students with dyslexia that are currently funded by federal grants may experience disruptions if the department closes. However, states could independently choose to maintain or expand these services.

Structured Literacy Approach

Research indicates that structured literacy instruction is effective for teaching reading, particularly for students with dyslexia. This educational approach is evidence-based and focuses on systematic teaching of reading skills

FAQs About the Department of Education & Dyslexia Tutoring

What happens if the Department of Education shuts down?

If the department shuts down, control over education funding and policy will shift to the states. This means education programs, funding for special education, and intervention services like dyslexia tutoring will be managed at the state level.

How will the closure of the Department of Education impact IDEA funding and support for students with dyslexia?

IDEA funding (approximately $15 billion annually for special education) would likely transition to block grants managed by states, reducing accountability for how funds are allocated. This could lead to cuts in specialized dyslexia interventions, particularly in under-resourced districts.

Will dyslexia services be affected if the Department of Education closes?

Possibly. Dyslexia services funded by federal grants may face disruptions. However, states could choose to maintain or even expand services independently. Parents should stay informed about state-level policies.

What should parents do if they can’t get dyslexia support at school?

Parents should document their child’s struggles and formally request a full evaluation. If denied, they can seek outside tutoring, push for an IEP, or explore legal advocacy options.

What is Designed to Learn?

Designed to Learn is an organization dedicated to making dyslexia training affordable and accessible for teachers, while also providing parents with practical resources to support struggling readers.

How does Designed to Learn help children with dyslexia?

Designed to Learn equips educators with structured literacy training, ensuring they have the skills to teach reading effectively. We also provide parents with tools to start the IEP process, provide testing for students, and help parents advocate for their children.

How can I support literacy reform?

Stay informed about local policies, advocate for structured literacy in schools, and support organizations like Designed to Learn that are working to close the literacy gap.