Federal Education Control (E.O. 13791)

Summary

Requires a review of Department of Education rules to remove any that improperly interfere with state and local control over school curriculum and staff.

What problem does this solve?

The federal government may have created rules that go beyond its legal power and control local school matters. This order makes the Secretary of Education check all existing rules and get rid of any that wrongly control local schools.

What does this order do?

Mandates review of all Department of Education rules

Requires the Secretary of Education to review all existing regulations and guidance documents to identify any that overstep federal authority.

Protects state and local control over schools

Sets a formal policy to preserve state and local authority over curriculum, instruction, administration, and school personnel.

Requires removal of improper federal controls

Directs the Secretary of Education to cancel or change any regulations and guidance found to illegally interfere with state and local control of education.

Restricts federal influence over Common Core

Specifically reinforces legal restrictions related to the Common Core State Standards, preventing federal promotion or control over them.

Who does this affect?

State governments
Local school districts
U.S. Department of Education

What is the real world impact?

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Restores state and local authority over education

Strengthens the power of states and local communities to decide on their own curriculum, school administration, and teaching materials, limiting what supporters see as federal overreach.

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Weakens national education standards

Critics argue that reducing federal oversight could lead to wider gaps in education quality between states and undermine national initiatives like the Common Core State Standards, which aimed to create consistent educational goals.

When does this start?

This order became effective on April 26, 2017, and sets a deadline for the Department of Education to act.

Deadline for regulatory changes

By February 20, 2018 (300 days from the order), the Secretary of Education must publish proposed changes to any rules or guidance that overstep federal authority.