NPR

President Trump has talked repeatedly about wanting to return education to the states and that dismantling the Education Department is part of that plan. Eliminating these staff members does not, at this point, cut special education funding to states. But one state director of special education, who spoke with NPR on the condition of anonymity out of concern the government would retaliate against that state, said they worry about the implications for students and families. “I’m fearful. I think it’s good for states to know there’s federal oversight and that they’ll be held accountable,” the official said. “The concept of leaving special education up to states sounds great, but it’s scary. What happens if one state decides to interpret the law one way, but another state disagrees and interprets it differently?” Multiple sources also questioned the legality of the cuts to OSERS. Federal law requires that there be an Office of Special Education Programs — within the U.S. Department of Education — to manage and oversee special education funding and programs. As such, these sources said, effectively closing the office by firing its staff should require an act of Congress.