When news broke that President Trump had signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the potential impact left parents across the country with concerns—and more questions than answers.
At Understood.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, we immediately began hearing from families. They wanted to know how the proposed closure would affect kids with learning and thinking differences, particularly those receiving special education services or Section 504 accommodations.
To ensure that we can provide parents with the most helpful information and tools at this moment of uncertainty, Understood.org conducted a national survey of over 500 U.S. parents of children ages 18 or younger. It included 290 parents of children who learn and think differently, as identified by the presence of an IEP or 504 plan.
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According to the survey, 59% of parents whose children don’t have an IEP or a 504 plan are concerned that dismantling the Department of Education will impact the quality of their child’s education. Among those whose kids do have an IEP or a 504 plan, though, nearly 90% are concerned.
Spotlight on a political and emotional divide
Americans’ feelings about the Department of Education have been split since the department’s formation in 1979, and our country’s strong political divide has placed a spotlight on this topic. Reflective of this, we saw a split in emotion, with about as many parents expressing anger (27%) and anxiety (30%) as feeling hopeful (28%) and excited (25%).
As expected, we also saw different concerns among parents whose kids rely on special education services. But ultimately, the results reiterated what we have always known: Educational experiences are deeply personal.
As a licensed psychologist who has spent nearly two decades working in the public school system, I’ve learned that no two parents have viewed their children’s educational experiences the same way. Every parent has a unique lens shaped by their own positive and negative experiences, their child’s needs and what they’ve done to ensure that their child is understood.
So, it was not surprising to see that parents’ responses to the executive order were equally distributed across the emotional spectrum. At the heart of it, every parent wants what’s best for their child, and change and the unknown can be scary and exciting at the same time.
Misinformation fueling uncertainty
What we need to address is the uncertainty parents are feeling—and the misinformation fueling it. Parents are sharing very real fears, concerns and questions about how the executive order could affect the services their children are presently receiving.
Our survey found that among parents whose children don’t have an IEP or a 504 plan, 32% are concerned that their kids could lose services or support. But that number jumps to 57% among parents of kids who do have an IEP or a 504 plan.
What’s also disheartening is that 1 in 3 parents say they don’t have a trusted source of news on this topic. Many are turning to online forums, like Reddit and social media, to try to make sense of the barrage of information.
People are earnestly sharing thoughts and advice, but none of this information is verified. This is why it’s so important for people to find a nonpartisan source that they can trust.
You’re not alone: Finding answers and allies
Here’s what we’re reminding parents in our community: Only Congress can shut the department or move key functions to other agencies. Additionally, the executive order made no direct reference to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law is overseen by the Department of Education and guarantees special education and related services for students with disabilities.
What remains uncertain is how the order might affect special education services in individual communities. Importantly, as of now, the amount of money going to state and local governments, which Congress sets, hasn’t changed.
As 504 plans and IEPs are managed at the local level, here’s our advice to parents: Lean on your school and district contacts. Ask questions, and document all communications related to your child’s educational plan.
And amid the uncertainty, stay proactive. Ensure that your child’s IEP or 504 plan is up to date. Then check in regularly to make sure your child’s needs are being met.
And lastly, know that you’re not alone. Every parent, no matter how they feel about this news, wants their child to thrive at school. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.
