The Trump administration's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) has taken a dramatic step by terminating nearly $1 billion in contracts within the US Department of Education. This significant budget cut has led to the elimination of a crucial research office responsible for tracking US students' progress. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), one of the nation's largest funders of education research, saw 169 contracts abruptly terminated. The move has effectively wiped out the research and statistics office of the Department of Education, raising concerns about the future of educational data and research in the country.
The IES plays a pivotal role in gathering and disseminating valuable data on various aspects of education, including student achievement, school safety, and high school science course completion. Educators, state and local education departments, school districts, colleges, and other researchers widely use this research to inform policies and improve educational outcomes. However, with these cuts, the continuity and availability of such crucial information now hang in the balance.
One of the most immediate impacts of these cuts is the potential halting of a study that provides US students with "high quality, adaptive digital tools" designed to enhance their math skills. This study, which had been implemented in multiple states, may see its digital tools removed from classrooms imminently.
The Trump administration's actions align with a longstanding promise by former President Donald Trump to dismantle the Department of Education. However, achieving this goal would require an act of Congress. Nevertheless, these recent budget cuts mark a significant step in that direction.
Critics have voiced strong opposition to the budget cuts. Senator Patty Murray criticized Elon Musk, calling him an "unelected billionaire" who is "bulldozing the research arm of the Department of Education." Murray further stated:
"Elon Musk doesn’t care if working class kids in America get a good education, so whittling down the Department of Education means nothing to him. Make no mistake, this is just the first step Donald Trump and Musk are taking to abolish the Department of Education, leaving our public schools with fewer resources and support to pay for massive tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations.” – Patty Murray
The ramifications of these budget cuts extend beyond individual studies. Felice Levine highlighted the broader impact on national education data:
"Limiting the important work that NCES does by terminating these contracts will have ramifications for the accuracy of national-level data on the condition and progress of education, from early childhood through postsecondary to adult workforce," – Felice Levine
The elimination of these contracts not only affects ongoing research projects but also jeopardizes the accuracy and availability of national-level education data. This data is crucial for understanding and addressing educational challenges across the United States.