President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday calling on the Education Department to study whether the federal government has overstepped state and local control of education.
“We know that local communities do it best and know it best,” Trump said during a signing ceremony on Wednesday, according to the White House press pool. “Previous administrations have wrongly forced states and schools to comply with federal whims and dictates for what our kids are taught. The time has come to empower teachers and parents to make the decisions that help their students achieve success.”
Under the executive order, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will have 300 days to review any regulations or guidance that might be deemed as overstepping the federal department’s bounds.
Among those in attendance at the signing ceremony were Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the chairs of the Senate and House education committees. DeVos and several governors were also in attendance, including Gov. Brian Sandoval, R-Nev., who gave opening remarks. Several teachers were also present.
Conservative groups in favor of limited government praised the executive action.
“Conducting such a review is part and parcel of ensuring that education innovation and opportunity are able to take root throughout our various education sectors,” said Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform. “The process will also allow the public to learn just how much oversight occurs as a result of bureaucracy, not law, and pave the way for all schools to focus on outcomes, not compliance.”
Later Wednesday, Trump will participate in a ceremony recognizing the National Teacher of the Year, Sydney Chaffee of Codman Academy Charter School, which is outside of Boston.
Jason Russell is the contributors editor for the Washington Examiner.
