A landmark review reveals that decades of massive federal investment—totaling trillions in taxpayer funds—have failed to deliver on the core mission of the Department of Education, which was created in 1980 to boost student achievement. Despite the unprecedented spending, national test scores in reading and math remain stagnant or have declined, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of current education policies. Critics argue that the system’s approach may be fundamentally flawed, while supporters point to broader challenges beyond funding alone. The findings could spark a national debate over how best to reform America’s education landscape.
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, ...
