By: Jael Marshall
April 9, 2025
Jennifer Giblin's classroom, located in Carver E&S High school, is where IEP students go to get educational help and support.
The Department of Education was established in 1867 to strengthen educational equality and opportunity. Project 2025, organized by Trump, has attempted to order the elimination of the Department of Education. This dismantling could make it difficult to meet the needs of students in Special Education programs.
As a result of the dismantling, the federal government's position in protecting and helping our school system will lessen.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a federal law guaranteeing free education for Special Education students. Programs affiliated with this law are funded by the government and will struggle without it.
“Dismantling the department of education will take away some checks and balances to ensure that every public school district receives the equitable and sufficient amount of funds to run their school district.” Dr. Johnson, carver e&s principal, said.
The federal laws embedded into our government to specifically protect special needs education would no longer apply. Students with Special needs are entitled to a free public education, but without federal support how will they receive the appropriate education?
Dr. Johnson expresses his concern stating that, “It's really important to maintain the department of education because it helps schools remain organized” .
Ryan Rouse states, “I'm required to make sure that students with disabilities are given the greatest access to the general education curriculum as possible.”
Defunding schools because the dismantling could cause a shortage in teachers that are certified in teaching special education courses. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and iep programs are all classes that need to be taught by reputable teachers.
Vice Principle at Carver E&S, Elizebeth Curry, is working diligently in her office to help students succeed .
“It's going to definitely reduce the number of resources. There's already a teacher shortage, even with the department of education being controlled by the federal government.” says Philadelphia Special needs teacher Ryan Rouse.
Special needs students that depend on these courses could be academically and physically restricted if there is a shortage of teachers to provide their services.
“Students with disabilities are smart and capable, and with the right resources are successful in school. These students deserve resources and should have the rights to it. ” Says Special Education teacher Jennifer Giblin.
Students personally feel helpless and worried about their educational future.
Current IEP student Heaven McClain says "My IEP helps me, if it wasn't available for me I'd be concerned about my learning”.
The dismantling of the department of education would most likely neglect the valuable learning experience for students, undermining their needs, resources, and academic rights.
“The goal of Special Education is to make sure that students who have a learning disability or medical condition that impacts their academic performance are able to access and participate in the general education curriculum.” says Ryan Rouse
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