Letters
Jan. 20, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: While I usually enjoy reading Mike Lowry’s column for a viewpoint that differs from my own, the Jan. 15 effort was disappointing.
Lowry argues that federal spending and involvement in education have increased dramatically since 1965, causing a decrease in performance.
I argue that federal spending has not increased dramatically when viewed as a percentage of our nation’s wealth, and the impacts since 1965 are positive.
In 1980 the Department of Education (ED) budget was $14 billion, or 5.0% of U.S. GDP. In fiscal year 2024, the ED budget was $305 billi8on, only 1.0% of GDP.
Beginning with the creation of the Department of Education in 1965, federal involvement in education has increased in positive ways, funding new programs that aid students who are economically disadvantaged, live with disabilities, or speak English as a second language.
ED’s mission is to “Promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”
The 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to assess students annually and publish a statewide report card, and to ensure that students are taught to high academic standards.
The ED is not responsible for determining what the states teach, or how they teach it, or consequences for underperforming schools. The ED approves the standards set by the states.
The Department of Education does fund the following: Pell grants for continuing education.
Financing for student loans.
Head Start program to help economically disadvantaged students.
Education of students with disabilities.
Impoverished school districts. English Language Learning. States are empowered to make decisions best suited for the people of the state, with minimal oversight from the Department of Education, and with meaningful financial support.
Thank you to the educators who work so hard for so little. JEANNIE GLASS Rockbridge Baths