Trump Administration Decimates Education Research
Introduction
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has abruptly terminated nearly $1 billion in research contracts, effectively gutting its research division. This sweeping move, announced by the new quasi-government agency Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has raised concerns about the loss of vital data on American schooling and the erosion of the agency’s research capacity.
DOGE’s Contracts Termination
DOGE, headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, announced the termination of 89 contracts worth $881 million on social media. This move effectively halted the work of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the arm of the DOE responsible for gathering information on students and schools nationwide. In addition, 29 "DEI training grants" totaling $101 million were also canceled.
Scope of Cuts
An internal memo obtained by USA TODAY reveals that the scope of DOGE’s cuts may be even larger than initially disclosed. The memo states that DOGE canceled a total of 169 education research contracts, ending nearly all of IES’s work. Employees of IES, while not yet placed on leave, are expecting termination notices soon.
Impacted Projects
Among the terminated projects are major research initiatives that have provided critical information to school administrators, educators, and policymakers. These include:
- What Works Clearinghouse: A project that helped educators make informed decisions about educational programs and practices.
- School Pulse Panel: A survey that collected data on education-related topics from K-12 schools across the nation.
- Studies on international education, career and technical education, and early childhood education: These studies provided insights into important educational issues and trends.
Consequences
Experts have warned that the termination of these contracts will have far-reaching consequences. Michael Itzkowitz, who oversaw the creation of the College Scorecard, stated that the loss of critical research on schools and colleges "could endanger American global competitiveness."
Other DOE Actions
The contract termination is part of a broader pattern of turmoil within the DOE. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the department, and his administration has banned diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal workforce. As a result, numerous DOE staffers have been placed on paid leave.
Data Access Concerns
USA TODAY previously reported that DOGE has gained access to vast databases containing the personal and financial information of millions of students. This raises concerns about the potential misuse or mishandling of such sensitive data.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s actions regarding education research have sent shockwaves through the education community. The termination of nearly $1 billion in research contracts has decimated the DOE’s research capacity and jeopardized the collection of vital data on American schooling. The consequences of these cuts are likely to be felt for years to come, undermining evidence-based decision-making in education and potentially harming the quality of education in the United States.
