New analysis of the 2024 election results and their potential impacts on education

Following the 2024 election results, our resolve is stronger than ever to improve education for all students, especially those furthest from opportunity. As we continue to assess the impact of the election and observe the transition to a new administration, we also want to remain clear-eyed about how the election results will impact policies, especially those that effect students, educators and public education.??

This transition time may be filled with uncertainty, but there are clear opportunities and implications for our collective work to improve public education. Keeping our focus on students, Education First is publishing a summary analysis to help education leaders understand and prepare for the changing landscape ahead. This analysis delves into the election results—both federal and state, outlines the federal role in education policy, explores the expected education policy implications and details what to look for in the coming weeks.?

We explore the likelihood of whether hot button items will come to fruition—like the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education—and outline how the incoming administration’s policies may be enacted. Here are a few of the major takeaways from our analysis:

• The role of the federal government in education, while still limited overall, could have an outsized impact. The incoming Administration says it plans to reverse Biden Administration priorities such as forgiving student loans and supporting DACA; cut federal funding for schools and weaken the U.S. Department of Education; and promote "culture war" policies. The nation's most vulnerable students (undocumented and immigrant students, LGBTQIA+ students) could be targeted.
• Despite having control of the House, Senate and Presidency, some of the Trump campaign’s education platform priorities are less likely to happen, such as the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.
• Career pathways is a rare area of bipartisan agreement and popular with voters. We expect?to see increased funding and priority given to career and technical education, federal apprenticeship and workforce development programs aligned with the administration’s economic plans.
• Unlike the federal election, state-level elections did not lead to significant changes, which could mean stability for current state policies and legislative priorities. Additionally, both red and blue states supported public school funding and?voted?down education savings accounts (ESAs) initiatives.
• We also make recommendations for how organizations should navigate the new policy environment. We argue that an organization's?best strategy will depend on whether the federal government takes an assertive or an absent approach to education policymaking.

Download our post-election analysis here.

*We will keep our post-election analysis updated over the next few months. Check back regularly for new versions.?

In solidarity,

Jenn Vranek

Founding Partner, Education First