DOGE Cuts $900 Million from Agency That Tracks American Students’ Academic Progress
Federal Research Office Under Fire
A federal research office 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.
Contract Cancellations
Industry groups said at least 169 contracts were suddenly terminated Monday, accounting for much of the institute’s work. The Education Department did not immediately share details on the cuts. Madison Biedermann, an agency spokesperson, said the action will not affect IES’ primary work, including the NAEP assessment, known as the nation’s report card, and the College Scorecard, a database of university costs and outcomes.
Advocates Raise Alarms
Advocates for students raised alarms that the cuts could hurt the accountability of America’s education system. "Cutting out at the knees the one independent agency that helps improve student outcomes is ridiculous," said Rachel Dinkes, president and CEO of the Knowledge Alliance, a coalition of education research firms. "Education is the economic engine that fuels the U.S. economy, and everything they cut is what helps make our education system better."
Institute of Education Sciences
The Institute of Education Sciences is a central source of information on the health of America’s education system. Across the country, it tracks student progress over time and across demographics. It evaluates the effectiveness of federal programs, and colleges and schools rely on its research to improve student outcomes.
Consequences of Cuts
The cuts are expected to have far-reaching consequences. "Without such research, student learning and development will be harmed," according to leaders of the American Educational Research Association and the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics. The institute’s work is also critical in identifying and addressing inequities in education.
Reactions from Politicians
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 back. "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," she said.
Conclusion
The sudden and drastic cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences are a cause for concern, and many are speaking out against the decision. The institute’s work is crucial in tracking student progress, evaluating the effectiveness of federal programs, and identifying and addressing inequities in education. The long-term impact of these cuts is yet to be seen, but it is clear that they will have a significant effect on the education system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Institute of Education Sciences?
The Institute of Education Sciences is a federal research office that tracks the progress of America’s students and evaluates the effectiveness of federal programs. - What is the purpose of the Institute of Education Sciences?
The institute’s primary purpose is to provide information on the health of America’s education system, track student progress over time and across demographics, and evaluate the effectiveness of federal programs. - What are the consequences of the cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences?
The cuts are expected to have far-reaching consequences, including harm to student learning and development, and a lack of data and research to improve student outcomes. - What is the reaction from politicians?
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray has spoken out against the decision, calling it a "wrecking ball" to high-quality research and basic data needed to improve public schools.
