Washington Update, November 20, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

There’s a lot…let’s just get to it.

1. Trump 2.0 and a GOP Congress

As the dust settles from the 2024 presidential election, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Both the White House and Congress reflect a new political landscape, one that holds significant implications for higher and special education. This election was not just about a shift in power; it’s about how the next Administration will influence the future for educators and students, especially those with disabilities.

With a new President in office and changes in Congressional leadership, we can anticipate substantial shifts in funding and policy for education programs. These changes are likely to impact everything from disability rights to classroom resources, affecting how we support students and deliver education.

One of the key areas to monitor in the post-election Congress will be the appropriations process, particularly within the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS) subcommittees in both the House and Senate. These committees are crucial because they determine funding for special education programs and other initiatives that directly impact students with disabilities.

Additionally, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with the House Education and the Workforce Committee, will play an essential role in shaping policy and overseeing educational programs.

With potential new leadership for both appropriations and policy, we may see different approaches to funding special education services, workforce development programs, and broader educational reforms. Understanding these changes will be essential to anticipating how Congress may impact the resources available for special education and the broader landscape of educational equity.

Some potential changes include:

Changes in House and Senate Party and Committee leadership

• HELP Committee: While Senator Cassidy likely retains his position as top Republican and now Chairman, if Senator McConnell takes Senator Collins’ leadership role on Appropriations, Collins could replace Cassidy. Senator Bernie Sanders will likely remain in the top Democratic spot as Ranking member.

• Senate Appropriations Committee: Senator Collins currently holds leadership, but Senator McConnell may assume it. Chairman Cole, who became chair in April, is expected to retain his role.

• Education and Workforce Committee: Representatives Burgess, Walberg, and Wilson are key figures, although Wilson may take a top spot on Foreign Affairs.

The makeup of Congress in the next Administration as of the writing of this update currently stands at :

• House of Representatives: 218 R, 211 D- each party flipping 7 seats

• Senate: 52 R, 47D (including two Independents who caucus with the Dems). The Pennsylvania Senate race between Casey and McCormick has yet to be called as there is a mandatory recount based on the razor thin margins; however, Republican Senator Dave McCormick has declared victory and attended new Senator orientation last week. As a reminder, incumbent Senator Casey leads the Senate Dear Colleague letter on IDEA-D-PP, is co-sponsor on a number of education bills, and second in line to the top Democrat spot on the HELP committee behind Bernie.

As suggested, a second Trump administration could introduce sweeping changes to both special and higher education policies. With an emphasis on deregulation and fiscal restraint, we may witness shifts in federal funding, potential cuts to education programs, and a reassessment of disability services and inclusion in schools and universities. Such changes could reshape support for students with disabilities and impact the operations and funding landscape for higher education institutions.

Some potential priorities under a Trump Administration may include:

• Proposal to eliminate the Department of Education (though unlikely to succeed)

• Expansion of prayer in public schools

• Increased parental rights

• Dismantling of diversity initiatives

• Nationwide universal school choice

• Expansion of school choice in states like Nebraska, Kentucky, and Colorado

• Elimination of teacher tenure laws and adoption of merit-based pay

• Establishment of a “New American Academy,” funded by taxes, fines, and lawsuits against private universities

Typically, if available, post-election projections rely on the precedent of past administrations; however, that does not appear true for this Administration.

For TED, the 2024 election results reinforce the organization’s commitment to prioritizing advocacy for special education funding, teacher preparation, doctoral training and research. Potential policy shifts could impact disability rights, educational access, and teacher training resources. To support educators and students, the division must focus on securing resources, protecting program quality, and preparing teachers to meet the evolving needs of students with disabilities amidst potential regulatory and funding changes.

Now is the time, we all need to dig in and make our voices heard. Perhaps today, yes today, more than ever, your involvement matters. Together, we can work to protect the resources and support our students and teachers.

2. CCR Hosts Hearing on Special Education Teacher Shortage

On Friday, the federal Commission on Civil Rights convened a briefing addressing the special education teacher shortage and how this impacts students with disabilities. Over 70% of schools with vacancies struggle to hire fully certified teachers, relying instead on emergency licenses, substitutes, or even the National Guard. These staffing gaps, compounded by challenging work conditions, a lack of quality educators, and ripple effects of the pandemic prevent many students from receiving the services they are entitled to, deepening educational inequities.

President-elect Trump’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Education has sparked debate in Washington, D.C. and across the county over its potential impact on the nation’s special education teacher shortage. Throughout the convening, some argued the move would be disastrous, particularly for students with disabilities, while others dismissed it as symbolic, suggesting another agency could manage the department’s primary role of distributing funds.

Critics warned that without the department, oversight of education laws and funding would falter, leading to mismanagement and jeopardizing civil rights protections. Panelists emphasized that underfunding special education forces schools to reallocate resources, negatively affecting all students. As you all well know, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which promised to cover 40% of special education costs, remains underfunded decades later.

3. Webinars Hosted by the Learning Policy Institute

Beginning December 3rd, The Learning Policy Institute will host a series of legislative prep sessions focused on education challenges and solutions. The Webinars include the following:

• Building and Retaining the Teacher Workforce December 3 | 3 – 4: p.m. ET | State policies impact both teaching conditions and equitable student access to well-qualified teachers. What policy approaches influence teacher supply, demand, and retention, and what can your state consider to better support teachers and students? Register

• Long-Term Solutions to Teacher Shortages December 5 | 1 – 2 p.m. ET | Teacher attrition—a key source of teacher shortages—disrupts student learning and costs districts money. The teachers who are most likely to leave the profession are those who are least prepared. More and more states are turning to teacher residencies and other strategies, such as service scholarships, as they look to simultaneously improve the quality of preparation and provide a long-term solution to teacher shortages. Register

• Eliminating Chronic Absence December 10 | 1 – 2 p.m. ET | The significant decline in school attendance since the onset of the pandemic is concerning since chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind academically, disengage socially, and drop out of school. As state policymakers consider solutions, much can be learned from community schools and other whole child approaches, which have emerged as research-based strategies to address barriers to attendance and help schools reengage students. Register

• Emerging Topics in Education Finance December 12 | 3 – 4 p.m. ET | While every state has unique needs and different approaches to funding education, they all face similar challenges, including declining student enrollment, the needs of different student populations, instability in state budgets, and the reduction of federal funds. Each of these factors reshapes how resources are allocated to schools, with significant implications for students, educators, and communities. Register

Let’s all stay connected, stay informed, and make sure those in power- at every level of government- know we’re not backing down on what matters for the future of our field and our kids.

And remember, if you’re not at the table…you’re probably on the menu.

Until next time, see you on X (Are you on another platform I should be on? Ping me!)

Kait

@brennan_kait