A landmark review reveals that decades of massive federal investment—totaling over $3 trillion—have failed to deliver meaningful improvements in core academic performance, as national test scores in reading and math remain stagnant or decline despite sustained funding. Critics question whether the Department of Education’s approach has aligned spending with measurable progress, while educators and policymakers debate whether structural reforms or targeted interventions could finally bridge the gap between funding and results. The findings underscore a growing divide between federal education spending and tangible outcomes for students nationwide.
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, ...
