A landmark review reveals that decades of massive federal investment—totaling over $3 trillion—have failed to deliver promised gains in student achievement, as national test scores in reading and math remain stagnant or decline despite sustained funding for education programs. Critics question whether the Department of Education’s approach has effectively addressed systemic challenges, while supporters argue that broader socioeconomic factors complicate progress. The analysis examines whether the sheer scale of spending aligns with measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
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, ...
