A landmark review reveals that despite the Department of Education’s $3 trillion budget since its 1980 founding, aimed at boosting student achievement, national test scores in reading and math have stagnated—or in some cases, declined—over decades, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of federal education spending. Critics argue the system has failed to deliver measurable progress, while supporters point to broader challenges in measuring success. The analysis examines whether structural reforms or shifts in funding priorities could finally turn the tide.
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, ...
