Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead: Implications of the Changing Federal Role in Education 

Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead: Implications of the Changing Federal Role in Education 

During the final days of GLR Week 2026, we found ourselves at a critical crossroads. This conversation, Reflecting Back and Looking Ahead: Implications of the Changing Federal Role in Education, moved beyond the mere mechanics of federal administration to address a more profound national imperative: how we protect the rights and futures of our children in an era of unprecedented institutional and technological shifts. 

Here is a summary of the key themes and insights from this vital discussion: 

The Alteration of Federal Functions 

Several members of the panel expressed deep concern over the rapid reorganization of the Department of Education, noting that interagency agreements are scattering previously core functions across various departments. This shift is not just structural but involves a loss of institutional knowledge. Amalia B. Chamorro of UnidosUS highlighted that “it is the functions that have lived within the department, but more so, it’s the expertise that has been lost through the mass layoffs of career staff” who once provided technical assistance to states and local districts. 

Furthermore, Denise Forte of The Education Trust warned that the historical premise of civil rights in education is being undermined. As functions such as special education oversight move to agencies like HHS, the national challenge remains to ensure student needs are met through an educational lens rather than a medical or bureaucratic one. 

The Grassroots “Tech-Lash” and the AI Frontier 

The panel had a lively discussion about the rapid “tech-lash” — a grassroots movement of parents pushing back against excessive screen time and device use in classrooms. Panelists discussed the specifics of concerns about technology, and that this is an expression of general parent frustration with schools.   

The conversation also tackled the integration of AI, emphasizing that technology must remain a tool for teachers, not a replacement for them. Jean-Claude Brizard of Digital Promise argued, “We have, in some cases, [outsourced] teaching and learning to a machine. It should be the other way around.” He emphasized that our national priority must shift toward making “sure our teachers know how to use the tool really well to support their pedagogical practice.” 

Parents as Curators 

The panel discussed the evolving and increasingly powerful role of parents, advocating for an authentic partnership that centers on student success. Forte summarized this national sentiment: “Every parent wants their kid to be reading proficiently, to get great math instruction, to have opportunities outside of school, to be learning, but also playing. That’s the kind of engagement we need. And we need to have policies to put that in place.” 

A National Strategy for Literacy 

Amidst sobering (but mixed) NAEP data, the READ Act of 2025 was identified as a “glimmer of light” and a coordinated national effort to scale the science of reading. However, the panel cautioned that its success depends on rigorous implementation. Michael Petrilli of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute warned that federal money might still be funneled into ineffective programs: “Somebody’s going to try to use this federal money to [implement] reading programs that aren’t aligned to the science of reading. Will the federal government say no?” 

Chamorro added a critical nuance for our multilingual learners, stating that “it shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all, and we also don’t want to inadvertently discourage evidence-based language and comprehension strategies that English learner teachers can employ.” 

A Call for Watchfulness 

The closing moments of this GLR Week 2026 conversation served as a worthwhile reminder that while the federal landscape is in flux, the national responsibility to advance student achievement remains constant. Our panelists concluded with a clear charge: Stay vigilant, stay engaged, and keep a watchful eye on the specific signals that will define the coming months.