Is this American education system in crisis?

Buckle up folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride! Yesterday, hundreds of Department of Education employees received noticed to stay home and many, will likely be laid off before March 21, 2025.

For consultants AND educators like myself, the future is unknown and the state of education is unstable - to say the least. I am sharing an podcast from NPR (2025) which I know is "left leaning" and I am also sharing an article from The Hill (2023) which tends to lean "right." Regardless of your political persuasion, I hope every student and parents of current students or future students will take some time to consider the impact of dismantling the Department of Education.

First, many believe there is duplicity in job focus or goals between the Department of Education's protection of civil rights (Title I) and the Department of Justice's investigation & prosecution of civil rights violations. Removing the Department of Education could result in a single agency handling all claims, investigations and case resolution - to include guidance on punishment, policy changes or other federal regulatory processes. Will personnel at the Department of Justice have the time, expertise and resources to carry-out the newly assigned duties?

Second, with half of the Department of Education's federal arm laid off, what national guidance remains to standardize education policy? While there have been controversial ideas and themes taught at various levels of K-12 education, this is NOT NEW. Prior to the Department of Education being created, many women in the 1950s and 1960s were discouraged from attending post-secondary education and while in high school, assigned to tracts in shorthand, typewriting, filing and other secretarial-type work. During the same time, men who returned from military service used GI Bills to attend college, enter the work force in manufacturing and industry; however, the gender-based education was questioned for discriminatory practices, finally being removed. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ended segregation in public schools and Perez v. Sturgis (2023) allowed students with special needs to seek redress when their rights to free public education had been violated. Will these landmark cases remain without strong federal support?

Some claim the Department of Education has overstepped and infringed upon parental rights regarding content taught in public schools. Yet, history about racial violence, discrimination, religious conflict, science of evolution versus creation and many more topics have more than one viewpoint. Science-backed research with data & facts exist for every conversation on these topics and more than one view exists. This is not infringment of parental rights. Instead, teaching students to think critically about the information they receive and interpret data from their own perspective is the foundation of a strong citizenship. Without any regulation or standardization of education expectations, states and local governments will be left to determine curriculum, hiring practices, use of student test scores (if testing even remains) and other means to evaluate the progress and even future employment opportunities for graduates. Do you know who is on your school board? Do you know what policies your school board may implement that may help or hinder your student?

Finally, the push for manufacturing jobs. will not be as swift and within the old-style, assembly line context as many may envision. Instead, I am sharing links to a recent report/article from Jasmine Cui (2025) at MSNBC analyzing the challenges facing the new American manufacturing revoluation. There is an international landscape based on trade, manufacturing and consumerism that left unchecked to a free-market, can self-correct. I am not an economist, however, I do understand the basics of supply and demand related to pay and ability to purchase. When those concepts are connected to a shaky education system, I am fearful for the future. Having an uneducated electorate does not serve the future success of a nation - history tells us that.

This Forbes article (2025) details the level of education and makes future predictions for what manufacturing will look like under the new administration. We may have supply chain issues for components needed to manufacture goods in the United States. We may have a demand for tech saavy and forward-thinking business managers - both require formal training and certifications linked to post-secondary education. What will be the determining factors for who gets higher paying jobs and who fills the assembly line vacancies?

The bottom line: the national conversation and debate on higher tariffs, increased manufacturing, inflation and gutting several federal agencies, not just the Department of Education, will have monumental impacts to every American - regardless of your political persuasion. Without an informed citizenry taught to question authority and think critically, the American education system is in crisis.

How is AI used in College Admissions?

AI is playing a growing role in assisting students with the college application process by providing guidance, streamlining tasks, and improving accessibility. Here are some key ways AI can help your student apply to college:

1. College Matching and Recommendations

AI-powered platforms analyze students' academic records, extracurricular activities, interests, and preferences to suggest colleges that align with their goals. These tools consider factors such as location, financial aid, program strengths, and campus culture to personalize recommendations.

2. Application Assistance and Essay Feedback

AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT help students refine their application essays by providing feedback on grammar, structure, and clarity. Some platforms even analyze tone and alignment with a school’s values to help applicants improve their personal statements.

3. Deadline and Requirement Tracking

AI-powered apps help students manage application deadlines, required documents, and financial aid forms. These tools send reminders and ensure students don’t miss important dates.

4. Test Preparation and Skill Enhancement

AI-driven tutoring platforms such as Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Magoosh personalize learning experiences to help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL. These tools adapt to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, optimizing study plans.

5. Financial Aid and Scholarship Matching

AI assists students in finding relevant scholarships and financial aid opportunities based on their background, achievements, and financial need. Platforms like Scholly and Fastweb use AI to recommend scholarships students are most likely to qualify for.

6. AI Chatbots for Instant Support

Many colleges use AI-powered chatbots to answer students' questions about admissions, tuition, and campus life. These chatbots provide instant responses and are available 24/7, making it easier for students to get the information they need.

7. Plagiarism and Authenticity Checks

AI is used by colleges to detect potential plagiarism in application essays, ensuring fairness in the admissions process. Students can also use plagiarism-checking tools to ensure their essays are original before submission.

Interested in streamlining your admissions process? Let me know!

Emerging Trends in Higher Education

As we move through the first half of 2025 and students plan their career paths in higher education, I am sharing some things I have noticed. These emerging trends in higher education are a response to the outcome of the 2024 election as well as economic considerations.

First, there has been an consistent increase in course and program accessiblity. Online and hybrid course offerings accelerated during the COVID pandemic and demand has not subsided. Instead, there is greater demand and interest in innovative programs, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which use digital platforms for content delivery. It makes sense that coursework and programs will remain in the digital space to foster learning. One thing to watch out for when applying to schools or weighing between programs is the training and credentialing the instructors are required to complete. Offering courses online does not result in high quality learning experiences and one way to evaluate proficiency is to look at the length of time the courses have been offered. Is this a new course? A new program without a track record of completion rates? Consider asking the department chair or academic advisor to provide graduation rates, transfer rates and job placement data after completion.

Next, the impact of AI is impacting higher education through teaching and assessment methods. If you are comparing two schools, consider inquiring about the use or implementation of AI in the classroom. Do the schools have a published policy and is the policy somethng that fosters a learning outcome? Does AI at the school(s) of interest meet ethical considerations for the degree or credential sought? If a school thoughtfully assesses how AI will impact the preparation of students for jobs and careers after graduation, the inclusion of AI will be an additive to traditional content delivery methods. If AI has not been addressed by college administrators and remains up to instructor use, consider the program or credential being sought. If you may need exposure and experience using AI to be successful, be wary if instructors prevent its use and application in their classroom.

Finally, perhaps the most troubling, funding. How will the new administration and leaders at the Department of Education determine federal grant funding? There is a known sustainability problem with the current structure of grants and aid offered to states as well as the management of the student loan programs subsidized by the government. It is wise to consider additional revenue streams for higher education expenses - self-funding through 529 plans, private loans and scholarships, debt repayment options for exchange with term employment. Some companies may pay student loans with a minimum number of employment; other companies may provide tuition benefits for spouse and children. These considerations should be investigated before selecting a college based solely on federally funded aid. The reality is that federal education funding is incredibly unpredictable and there is no telling what the new administration's budget will look like - the new budget will go into effect 1 October 2025.

All things considered, higher education and career-ed tech programs offer high school graduates an opportunity for economic stability. Without any post-high school education, the employment opportunities may be highly competitive. One thing that frequently sets applicants apart is a special certification, work experience or a skill develped through some training or course work. Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills are necessary for success in the future work force.

Have a question or want to review transcripts for transfer credit? Please reach out and set up an appointment to discuss.