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U.S. Department of Education
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U.S. Department of Education

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1980 - present
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education

News •

Trump has called for dismantling the Education Department. Here's what that would mean • Nov. 20, 2024, 12:07 AM ET (AP)
What to know about Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Education secretary • Nov. 19, 2024, 10:06 PM ET (AP)
Trump picks Dr. Oz to run Medicare and Medicaid, Linda McMahon for Education, Lutnick for Commerce • Nov. 19, 2024, 10:02 PM ET (AP)
Trump wants to end 'wokeness' in education. He has vowed to use federal money as leverage • Nov. 15, 2024, 10:10 AM ET (AP)
The last actions the Biden administration will take before Trump takes over the White House • Nov. 15, 2024, 5:24 AM ET (AP)

U.S. Department of Education, executive division of the U.S. federal government responsible for carrying out government education programs. Established in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, it seeks to ensure access to education and to improve the quality of education nationwide. It administers programs in elementary and secondary education, higher education, vocational and adult education, special education, bilingual education, civil rights, and educational research.

(Read Arne Duncan’s Britannica essay on “Education: The Great Equalizer.”)

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt.