The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it is moving forward with a precondition plan to return educational authority to the states by partnering with several federal agencies to redistribute administrative responsibilities.
Goals of the new initiative
The Department of Education stated that these initiatives aim to break up the Washington, D.C. education bureaucracy and empower parents and local leaders. According to a press release from the department issued June 16, 2026, the administration intends to use these partnerships to manage federal education programs through agencies better positioned to deliver results.
New interagency agreements established
The Department of Education has established various agreements with other federal departments. In a press release from November 18, 2025, the department announced six new interagency agreements with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to streamline activities and reduce administrative burdens.
Partnerships for civil rights and health
As part of these efforts, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice have formed partnerships focused on civil rights enforcement, student privacy protection, and training services for school desegregation. Additionally, a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services aims to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities through coordinated resources.
Department of Labor's expanded role
The Department of Labor is taking on an expanded role in managing specific education programs. According to the department's November 2025 announcement, the Department of Labor will assist in administering federal K-12 programs and postsecondary education grant programs authorized under the Higher Education Act.
Native American education improvements
The Department of the Interior is also participating through an Indian Education Partnership designed to improve Native American education across elementary, secondary, and higher education sectors.
Reasons for the educational reforms
The Department of Education cited declining national test scores in 2024—noting only 35% proficiency in reading and 28% in eighth-grade mathematics—as a primary driver for these reforms. Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the administration remains committed to cutting through Washington red tape to restore excellence in education.
