U.S. Education Department Releases State Decision-Making

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a new resource to help state education agencies build their own capacity for problem-solving and program improvement. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler said the optional 'Learning Agenda Playbook' will allow states to ask and answer their own questions on matters most important to their local communities.

The playbook includes case studies, templates, and guidance. It is designed to help states set strategic goals, measure progress, and make financial investments in their initiatives. The resources cover diverse priorities like literacy, teacher recruitment, and agency alignment. They can be adapted to each state's specific needs.

Pilot States Test the Framework

The playbook was developed with eight pilot states over the past year. Each state focused on different priority areas, using data to guide decisions and funding.

Georgia's work centered on identifying supports to retain special educators. Idaho focused on student well-being, with staff identifying priority areas and engagement gaps. Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield stated the pilot improved communication across education teams and better aligned efforts for student outcomes.

A Tool for Broader Networks

Kirsten Baesler said the resources will also benefit the Comprehensive Center Network, Regional Educational Laboratories, and research organizations as they support state-level work. Heather Boughton, associate director of state policy at the Alliance for Learning Innovation, was part of the working group that developed the playbook.

Boughton emphasized the importance of transparency and strategic investment. "It’s important for states to be transparent about what they’re learning, to be open about that with their communities," she said. Having answers allows for targeted investments where schools and students need them most. She noted most state education agencies lack dedicated research and development departments, making engagement from local stakeholders and research partners critical.

Context of a Shrinking Federal Role

The playbook's debut coincides with the Education Department's active efforts to reduce its federal footprint, with an ultimate goal of closing the agency. During the second Trump administration, the department has laid off about half its workforce and awarded several states waivers for federal accountability and fiscal requirements.

The department has also created 14 interagency agreements. These would shift day-to-day responsibilities for programs-like grant management and technical assistance-to six other federal agencies. The Education Department retains statutory responsibility for these outsourced programs.

Supporters argue these partnerships will improve coordination to boost student outcomes. However, the changes have faced legal challenges. Several education organizations, civil rights advocacy groups, and Democratic lawmakers argue reducing federal support adds confusion throughout the K-12 system. They are concerned states lack the capacity to duplicate the technical expertise and services traditionally provided by the federal government.