Trump budget cuts education spending, expands school choice

President Trump's proposed 2018-19 budget will cut discretionary aid to the U.S. Department of Education, eliminate grant programs for teacher training and expand school choice.

The proposed budget cuts spending levels by $3.6 billion, or about 5.3 percent, to $63.2 billion.

"Decades of investments and billions of dollars in spending have shown that an increase in funding does not guarantee high-quality education," the Office of Management and Budget states in the budget document, EdWeek reports. "While the budget reduces the overall federal role in education, the budget makes strategic investments to support and empower families and improve access to postsecondary education, ensuring a future of prosperity for all Americans."

Spending cuts of about $3.1 billion were achieved by eliminating Title II teacher grants and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, according to EdWeek. There are 39 discretionary programs that could be cut or eliminated.

The proposal is not unlike the plan the Trump administration presented last year, which was largely ignored by Congress, according to Chalkbeat.

In addition to similar spending cuts, it includes $1 billion to expand private school voucher programs, $500 million for charter schools and $98 million for expanding magnet schools, Chalkbeat reports.

The budget provides some insight into the administration's views on higher education policy, Politico reports. It includes proposals for expanding Pell grants to short-term programs offering credentials or certifications, cutting federal work study programs and overhauling income-based repayment guidelines for student loans.

The budget document supports a risk-sharing measure that would hold colleges accountable for student outcomes, according to Inside Higher Ed.

Jamie Martines is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at jmartines@tribweb.com, 724-850-2867 or on Twitter @Jamie_Martines.