US EDUCATION POLICY IN 2017-2025: FROM DEREGULATION TO RENEWAL AND REFORM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35619/pse.vi4.99Keywords:
US education policy, Trump administration, Biden administration, deregulation, school choice, Department of Education, federal investment, equity, COVID-19, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), student debt relief, special education, civil rights, teacher shortage, accreditation reform, Project 2025, federal-state relations, educational governanceAbstract
The period from 2017 to 2025 marks one of the most dynamic and polarized eras in US education policy, characterized by significant shifts in federal priorities across three presidential administrations. The Trump administration (2017–2021) emphasized deregulation, school choice, and the reduction of federal oversight, with major rollbacks on civil rights protections and higher education regulations. The Biden administration (2021–2025) reversed many of these policies, pursuing pandemic recovery through historic federal investment, enhanced equity initiatives, and a reassertion of federal leadership. Trump’s return in 2025 introduced a renewed push for school choice, deep budget cuts, and the proposed dismantling of the Department of Education. This paper analyzes how these policy shifts influenced education governance, equity, funding, and accountability, with special attention to their impact on vulnerable student populations, federal-state relations, and long-term systemic outcomes. Despite the policy swings, shared challenges such as teacher shortages, student mental health, and persistent achievement gaps remain central. The period illustrates the enduring debate over the federal role in education and its consequences for American students and communities.
