If time is short, watch the video and complete this: See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
SUMMARY
On March 11, the Department of Education (DOE) announced plans to cut nearly half of its employees, more than 1,300 people. It’s the latest move by the Trump administration to dramatically reshape the size and scope of the federal government.
View the transcript of the story. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key terms
reduction in force (RIF) — a procedure that the executive branch can use to lay off federal workers across departments
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- How large is the cut to the Department of Education (what percent of employees)?
- Why does the Trump administration say the department needs to be cut back?
- Where will the department close buildings?
- What is being negotiated in Congress right now?
- Who broke with Congressional Democrats over the spending bill, and why?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What do you think should be the focus of the Department of Education? Do you know what roles it plays in student education today? If not, how could you find out? (Hint: Start with this NPR story, A guide to what the U.S. Education Department does (and doesn't) do.)
What is your reaction to News Hour's Lisa Desjardins' comment that some DOE workers may be hearing about the job cuts for the first time in this News Hour story?
Media literacy: Why do you think this segment discusses the cuts to the Department of Education and Congressional budget discussions? What connection do you think they have?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Talk to your teachers and school staff about the Department of Education. How does it support your school? Does the department control or limit how teachers teach in your school? What opportunities does it make possible?
To hear from other teachers about what reducing or closing the department might mean for the future of education, see this Teacher Voice story.
Educator Voice: How dismantling the Department of Education would affect teachers and students
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