Early this month, national and state leaders in education convened in Chicago to discuss recent federal policy changes and their impacts on Illinois’ education system. Together, Advance Illinois President Robin Steans joined Scott Palmer, co-founder and partner of the education consulting firm EducationCounsel, Illinois Department of Early Childhood Secretary Dr. Teresa Ramos, and Dr. Lisa C. Freeman, president of Northern Illinois University reflected on the changes that have emerged from Washington, D.C., since last year and what they’ve meant means for Illinois students, families, and communities.
During the roundtable conversation, participants spoke to what has been the long-standing role of the federal government in education, recent challenges as well as opportunities presented by federal shifts, and potential strategies to ensure stability, equity, and access for young people across the state, even as federal conditions continue to shift:
1. A strong federal role remains important to advancing educational opportunities.
The discussion opened with an examination of the federal government's role in education. Historically, federal laws, regulations, and investments have helped expand educational opportunity, while the U.S. Department of Education has supported states through guidance, technical assistance, research, and grant funding. Panelists emphasized that there isn't one simple answer. However, dismantling the Department of Education and treating education as though it is no longer a federal priority can be detrimental to the education ecosystem and communities. Strengthening the commitment to education, reenvisioning what can be done with policy changes already made at the federal level, and advancing coordinated action is important.
Programs such as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and Workforce Pell have created access to new federal funding streams for families, schools, and programs. Families and states are considering what these new programs can do for students and how they can support their education. In Illinois, through Workforce Pell, students may be able to use federal aid to fund education for 195 eligible occupations. While these programs present new opportunities, careful planning and development is critical in ensuring they support and protect students’ outcomes.
2. Federal policy changes are creating uncertainty for early childhood and care programs, providers, and families.
Even though research shows a strong start in education and care is critical for Illinois’ youngest learners. Dr. Teresa Ramos remarked on how federal policy changes are affecting providers, their businesses, the workforce, and the ability to operate. The administration's immigration enforcement actions first launched last year created fear and instability from which families and childcare providers alike are still recovering. Ongoing uncertainty and proposed changes to federal Head Start rulemaking also raise broader questions about the future of early childhood education and care. In Illinois, 27,742 children are enrolled in Head Start, and 8% of them might become ineligible if changes to the rules go through. Ramos emphasized that investing in families has significant returns, contributing to stronger, healthier families and communities. She underscored that it is important to maintain program standards and a national agenda for quality that ensures that ALL children are served.
Ramos pointed out that without clear goals and informed, data-driven decisions, federal policy and funding changes can make it more difficult for providers to operate, and for families to understand and access financial assistance like the Child Care Development Fund that provides support and stability for them to thrive.
3. Changes to higher education programs and supports threaten access and opportunity.
While higher education remains a known pathway to greater economic and a stronger economy, Freeman noted that changes to federal financial aid programs and higher education policy are threatening opportunities that have attracted students. For example, in Illinois, a judge struck down three laws in Illinois granting undocumented students access to in-state tuition and state aid, impacting approximately 20,000 students across the state.
Disruptions to financial aid can diminish access to higher education, particularly for students who have historically faced barriers to college access. Dr. Freeman underscored that the impact is especially significant when considering the student groups who stand to lose the most. At Northern Illinois University, approximately 50% of students are eligible for Pell Grants, and 50% are first-generation college students, she said. For these students, financial aid is not an abstract concept; it is essential to their ability to attend college. These disruptions can send a message that students do not belong, shifting the idea of merit away from matching potential with opportunity and toward inherited advantage, Freeman said.
Federal actions have also taken a not insignificant toll on NIU’s enrollment of international students, Freeman noted. She said the university has experienced a 30% decline in international student enrollment in its graduate programs amid visa delays, new federal rules, and fewer opportunities for students to remain in the United States.
4. Federal funding disruptions have consequences for K–12 students and schools.
The conversation also explored how federal policy changes are affecting K–12 education in Illinois. Panelists raised concerns that cuts and delays to major federal funding streams, such as Full-Service Community Schools grants and student mental health grants are limiting schools' ability to advance equitable opportunities for students. The cancellation of Full-Service Community Schools program grants impacted programming for 19,000 students across Illinois. Even when federal congressionally appropriated funding has been approved, it has not always been distributed, with hundreds of cases currently tied up in litigation for blocked funding and nearly $100 million education funds currently blocked.
5. Illinois has an opportunity to lead through collaboration, investment, and equity.
Despite the uncertainty at the federal level, panelists emphasized that Illinois has an opportunity to lead and build upon the systems and investments already in place. While there may be challenges to maintain evidence-based approaches and existing investments, panelists stressed that the commitment to serving students and families should remain centered. Working collaboratively across the education continuum, from early childhood through higher education and across states, is necessary to learn from one another and identify solutions. When it comes to issues of educational equity and sufficient and student-centered funding, what does that look like?
As was emphasized, laws matter, and equal protection under the law extends to all persons, not just citizens, the speakers agreed. This next phrase will require all to help shape what comes next: strengthening partnerships, catching and extinguishing fires, while identifying what already within our education systems can be leveraged for greater impact. Education makes all the difference in the world, and Illinois has an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible when we work together for our students across the state.
To learn more about the role of the federal government, what's changing and what changes mean for students, families and communities, click here.
For updates and developments on federal actions in education and care, and their impacts on Illinois families, students, and children, visit the Federal Education Policy Tracker.