A landmark review examines whether decades of massive federal investment in education—totaling trillions in taxpayer funds—has delivered on its core mission of raising student achievement. Despite the unprecedented spending since the Department of Education’s creation in 1980, new data reveals stagnant or declining performance in key areas like reading and math, raising critical questions about accountability and impact. Critics and policymakers are now scrutinizing whether structural reforms or alternative approaches are needed to bridge the gap between funding and measurable progress. The findings could reshape the national conversation on how best to support America’s schools.
The Department of Education was established in 1980 with the promise of improving education outcomes for America’s students. $3 trillion in taxpayer dollars later, national test scores in reading, ...
