NASHVILLE, Tenn.–The following may be attributed to TEA President Tanya T. Coats, a veteran Knox County educator:

“Shutting down the U.S. Department of Education isn’t about ‘state control.’ States already control most of public education. It’s about taking away much-needed services from our students, and then dismantling, defunding and privatizing our great public schools.

“For a state which played such a prominent role in the history of the U.S. civil rights movement, Tennesseans know more than most how important federal protections are in the course of our nation’s history for vulnerable and minority students and communities.

“If the U.S. Department of Education is broken apart, the rights of students—particularly our most vulnerable—will be undercut. Our students would be at risk of losing access to academic lessons, civil rights protections, and life skills that prepare them for the future.

“Also at the federal level, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program has been transformative for countless students with disabilities and their families.

“If it is transferred to another department, it will likely cause chaos for students with special needs and their families. Students and families who currently rely on individualized education plans (IEPs) and students with special needs will be adversely impacted by this change. 

“The risk of unequal access to necessary educational services would be a critical concern, as students in under-resourced states could face significant barriers in receiving the support they need to succeed academically and socially.

“Public school educators are increasingly concerned that this dangerous plan would endanger future generations, as it threatens to widen economic disparities, sowing discord and endangering our democracy. Other impacts would include larger class sizes and less one-on-one attention for students in public schools; fewer resources and basic rights for students with disabilities; less access to programs which encourage lower-income students and students with disabilities to attend college; and cuts to after-school and summer programs that augment in-school learning and skill-building.”