Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a cabinet-level agency established in 1980 that shapes federal education policy and administers the largest sources of federal funding for schools and students. While education is primarily a state and local responsibility, ED plays a critical role in supporting educational equity, distributing billions in grants and loans, enforcing civil rights protections, and conducting research that informs best practices nationwide. As the smallest Cabinet agency by staff, ED oversees programs affecting everyone from infants in early intervention services to adults managing federal student loans.

K-12 Education and School Funding

ED provides essential funding to help schools and districts achieve their goals, though federal dollars represent less than 10% of K-12 funding nationally. Curricula differ across states and all 50 states approach education policy differently. Explore debates over school funding sources and priorities, recent cuts to ED, and proposals to shrink the agency.

Higher Education and Student Loans

ED administers federal student loans for millions. Learn borrowing limits and rules, loan consolidation, exiting default, and garnishment processes.

Special Education and Disability Services

ED enforces IDEA for children with disabilities. Parents can request an IEP evaluation, understand evaluation rights, learn IEP meetings, advocate effectively, and dispute plans. Early services cover birth to age 2 via IDEA Part C; educators access teacher resources.

Student Privacy and Records

ED enforces FERPA to protect student records and control information sharing.