Establishing the Presidential Task Force on Child Potential, Educational Integrity, and Human Flourishing

Executive Order establishing the Presidential Task Force on Child Potential, Educational Integrity, and Human Flourishing. By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose.

The United States has a fundamental responsibility to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to develop their full intellectual, creative, emotional, ethical, and civic potential. Educational programs designed to identify, accelerate, or differentiate children based on perceived ability—including but not limited to Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs and similar initiatives—were established under varied historical, economic, and national-security contexts.

While many such programs have provided meaningful educational benefits, concerns persist that certain structures may unintentionally limit children’s growth, narrow intellectual exploration, reinforce inequities, suppress curiosity, or channel children toward predetermined institutional outcomes rather than supporting holistic human development.

The purpose of this Executive Order is to establish a Presidential Task Force to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and public review of these programs to ensure that they serve the best interests of children, families, and society, and that they promote human flourishing rather than institutional convenience or control.

Section 2. Policy.

It is the policy of the United States that:

1. Children shall not be treated as instruments of economic, political, or institutional objectives;
2. Educational programs must prioritize human development over performance metrics alone;
3. Parents and guardians are entitled to clear, complete, and honest information regarding the goals, methods, benefits, risks, and long-term implications of programs that identify or track children;
4. Educational systems shall cultivate curiosity, creativity, ethical reasoning, emotional well-being, and independent thought;
5. No child’s potential shall be limited, manipulated, or prematurely constrained by opaque or rigid institutional structures.

Section 3. Establishment of the Task Force.

1. There is hereby established the Presidential Task Force on Child Potential, Educational Integrity, and Human Flourishing (Task Force).
2. The Task Force shall be chaired by the Secretary of Education or the Secretary’s designee.
3. The Task Force shall include representatives from:

• The Department of Education;
• State and local educational agencies;
• Child development, neuroscience, and education research communities;
• Teachers, school administrators, and counselors;
• Parents and guardians;
• Students and former students who have participated in identified, accelerated, or selective programs;
• Civil rights, disability rights, and equity advocates;
• Experts in ethics, psychology, and human development.

Section 4. Scope of Review.

The Task Force shall review and evaluate, at a minimum:

1. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs;
2. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, magnet, and specialized schools;
3. State and district “highly capable,” accelerated, selective, or tracked programs;
4. University-affiliated talent identification and enrichment programs;
5. Standardized testing, screening, and assessment mechanisms used to identify, label, or track children;
6. Federal, state, and local funding structures influencing these programs.

Section 5. Areas of Evaluation.

In conducting its review, the Task Force shall assess whether such programs:

1. Expand or limit children’s intellectual, creative, emotional, and ethical development;
2. Encourage independent thinking, moral reasoning, and healthy questioning of assumptions;
3. Prematurely channel children into narrow academic, economic, or institutional pathways;
4. Rely excessively on standardized testing or narrow performance metrics;
5. Create psychological, social, or identity-based pressures that may harm long-term well-being;
6. Reinforce inequities based on race, income, language, disability, or geography;
7. Adequately support neurodivergent children and late-developing learners;
8. Provide families with informed and voluntary choice.

Section 6. Public Participation and Transparency.

1. The Task Force shall solicit broad public input, including written submissions, public hearings, listening sessions, and opportunities for student and family testimony.
2. All non-classified materials, findings, and recommendations of the Task Force shall be made publicly available.
3. The Task Force shall prioritize accessibility, ensuring participation by historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Section 7. Recommendations and Report.

1. Within 18 months of the date of this order, the Task Force shall submit a comprehensive report to the President.
2. The report shall include:

• Findings regarding whether current programs limit, manipulate, or fully support children’s potential;
• Recommendations for reform, replacement, or elimination of programs found to be harmful;
• Proposals for new educational frameworks centered on human flourishing, agency, and ethical development;
• Guidance on transparency standards and parental consent.

Section 8. General Provisions.

1. Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof.
2. This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
3. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States.

Signed,

Vincent Cordova
President of the United States