The Department of Education (DOE) needs to be rebuilt so it can better protect the rights of students with special needs and make sure all students are measured by the same standard. Right now, every state has its own rules and its own tests, which makes it hard to compare student learning across the country. My plan would keep local control over curriculum but create one national standard for measuring proficiency.

Special Needs Protections

One of the biggest problems today is that many students with disabilities do not get the services they are guaranteed under the law. The DOE would create a new office focused only on making sure schools follow special education laws. This office would have investigators to look into complaints, help families, and make sure schools provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) on time. Schools that ignore these laws could face penalties, while schools that meet the rules would get more support.

National Proficiency Standard

Instead of 50 different sets of rules, the DOE would set one standard of proficiency for the entire country. To measure this, students would take national tests in grades 3, 5, 8, 11, and 12. States would still give their own tests in the other years, but they would have to align them with the national standard. This way, we could finally compare results fairly across all states. Students with disabilities would have full access to accommodations like extra time, technology help, or alternate assessments.

Funding and Incentives

Federal money would be tied to student performance. States would have two choices to qualify for funding:

1. Show that at least 50% of students are meeting proficiency on the national standard, or

2. Agree to adopt the DOE’s recommended curriculum and improvement plan.

States that fall short would not be punished right away. Instead, they would receive extra support, training, and resources to help them catch up. States and districts that make fast progress—especially with special needs students—could receive bonus funding.

Role of DOE in Curriculum

The DOE would not tell states what to teach. Instead, it would provide guidance and recommended resources if states ask for help. This keeps local control in place but still allows for consistent measurement nationwide.

Timeline

• Year 1: DOE restructures and new offices are set up.

• Year 2: Pilot national tests and begin stronger enforcement of special education laws.

• Year 3: Full national testing begins in grades 3 and 5.

• Year 4–5: Expand national tests to grades 8, 11, and 12. Funding incentives begin.

This plan balances local control with national accountability. It makes sure students with disabilities are supported, while also giving every state the same measure of success. By aligning standards, strengthening special education protections, and rewarding progress, the DOE can help prepare all students to succeed.