U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Federal Funding for School Choice and School Improvement

Overview of Federal Guidance

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) issued official guidance to state education officers regarding the use of federal funds to support school choice and enhance educational quality. This directive clarifies provisions under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, enabling states to allocate federal dollars toward expanding school choice initiatives.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The guidance promotes inclusive and equitable quality education by increasing access to diverse schooling options tailored to students’ unique needs.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By expanding school choice, the policy aims to reduce disparities in educational opportunities among different communities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between federal and state governments exemplifies strengthened partnerships to achieve education-related goals.

State-Level Responses and Initiatives

1. Louisiana’s Education Progress

   Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley praised the federal guidance, highlighting the state’s strategic efforts in expanding school choice as a key factor in its historic educational improvements. Brumley emphasized that this federal support empowers states to make critical decisions that enhance student outcomes.

2. Federal Administration’s Vision

   Acting Assistant Secretary for OESE, Hayley Sanon, underscored the importance of maximizing each year of a child’s education. Sanon stressed that providing families with school choice options is essential to meeting diverse student needs and facilitating effective school turnaround efforts.

3. Louisiana’s LA GATOR Scholarship Program
   • Governor Jeff Landry has prioritized school choice funding through the LA GATOR scholarship initiative, enacted in 2024.
   • On June 23, 2025, the Louisiana Legislature approved partial funding amounting to $43.5 million for the program’s inaugural year, despite an initial request of $100 million.
   • This funding is projected to provide scholarships for approximately 6,000 students, expanding access to quality education options within the state.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of Education’s guidance represents a significant step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 by facilitating equitable access to quality education through school choice. The collaboration between federal and state entities, as demonstrated by Louisiana’s initiatives, highlights a strategic approach to reducing educational inequalities and enhancing learning outcomes nationwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on improving education through federal funding, school choice, and scholarships, directly relating to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • The article discusses funding to improve schools and expand school choice, aiming to enhance education quality and access.
2. Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
   • School choice and scholarship programs like LA GATOR aim to provide more equitable access to quality education for diverse student populations.
3. Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
   • The article implies efforts to improve schools and provide better learning environments through federal funding.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics, by sex.
   • While not explicitly mentioned, improving school quality and expanding choice aim to increase student proficiency.
2. Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated.
   • Scholarship programs targeting diverse students imply monitoring equitable access.
3. Indicator related to funding and enrollment: Number of students receiving scholarships through programs like LA GATOR.
   • The article states $43.5 million funds scholarships for around 6,000 students, which can be tracked as a measure of program reach and impact.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: knoe.com