A landmark federal agency created to transform American education has spent decades and trillions in public funds, yet new data reveals stagnant—or even declining—national test scores in core subjects like reading and math, raising critical questions about its impact. Critics and policymakers are scrutinizing whether the Department of Education’s approach has delivered on its original mission, while supporters argue systemic challenges demand sustained investment. With education funding at unprecedented levels, the debate over effectiveness grows sharper as lawmakers and educators weigh the costs against measurable progress. The findings could reshape discussions on how best to allocate resources and reform policies for future generations.
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, ...
