DOGE Cuts $900M from Agency That Tracks Student Academic Progress

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency Terminates Scores of Contracts

A federal research agency that tracks the progress of America’s students is being hit with almost $900 million in cuts after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency found no need for much of its work.

Contracts Terminated, Agency’s Existence in Jeopardy

It’s unclear to what degree the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences will continue to exist after Musk’s team slashed scores of contracts. Industry groups said at least 169 contracts were suddenly terminated Monday, accounting for much of the institute’s work.

Primary Work to Continue, but with Limited Resources

The Education Department did not immediately share details on the cuts. Madison Biedermann, an agency spokesperson, said the action will not affect the institute’s primary work, including the NAEP assessment, known as the nation’s report card, and the College Scorecard, a database of university costs and outcomes.

Musk’s Grip on Education Department Faces Setback

Musk’s grip on the Education Department was dealt a setback Tuesday when the agency agreed to temporarily block DOGE workers from more than a dozen internal systems containing sensitive information. DOGE has been tasked with slashing costs across the federal government. As part of a lawsuit challenging its access, the department agreed to block Musk’s team until at least Monday while a judge weighs a broader pause.

Advocates Alarmed by Cuts, Say It Hurts Accountability

The cuts to IES raised alarm among advocates who said it could hurt the accountability of America’s education system, leaving the nation in the dark on schools’ effectiveness. Historically, achievement gaps have shown low-income students and students of color falling behind their peers.

Industry Leaders Criticize Cuts

The cuts are counterproductive and destructive, said Rachel Dinkes, president and CEO of the Knowledge Alliance, a coalition of education research firms.

“Cutting out at the knees the one independent agency that helps improve student outcomes is ridiculous,” Dinkes said.

Agency’s Work in Jeopardy, Experts Warn

The cuts appear to have been carried out under a clause allowing IES to end contracts at any time “for the government’s convenience,” according to notices obtained by The Associated Press.

Projects Being Cut, Including Study on Accelerating Math Learning

Among the projects being cut is a study exploring how to accelerate math learning for students in fourth and fifth grade, according to a document obtained by the AP. Known as ReSolve, the project was being led by research group MDRC.

Small Businesses Impacted, Layoffs Loom

Activate Research, a small business, lost four contracts and plans to lay off at least 20 of its 28 workers. The company was hired to ensure accuracy and objectivity in reports. When founder Dinah Sparks announced the company was winding down Tuesday, she had a message for her team: “We are not waste,” she said. “We did valuable work for the U.S. taxpayer.”

Congressional Leaders React, Promise to Fight Cuts

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, a former teacher and member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said she will be “sounding the alarm” to fight the cuts.

“An unelected billionaire is now bulldozing the research arm of the Department of Education — taking a wrecking ball to high-quality research and basic data we need to improve our public schools,” the Washington senator said in a statement. “Cutting off these investments after the contract has already been inked is the definition of wasteful.”

Conclusion

The recent cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences have left many wondering about the future of education research in the United States. While the department has promised to continue its primary work, the sudden elimination of scores of contracts has left many in the dark about the agency’s ability to effectively track student progress and improve education outcomes.

FAQs

* What is the Institute of Education Sciences?
The Institute of Education Sciences is a federal research agency that tracks the progress of America’s students and evaluates the effectiveness of federal programs.
* What is the purpose of the cuts?
The cuts are intended to reduce costs across the federal government, but many are concerned that they will harm the accountability of America’s education system.
* Who is affected by the cuts?
Small businesses and research firms that were contracted by the Institute of Education Sciences are being impacted by the cuts, with some laying off workers as a result.
* What is the reaction from congressional leaders?
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray has promised to fight the cuts, calling them wasteful and harmful to the country’s education system.