The administration's recent budget reductions at the Department of Education have raised concerns among researchers and educators. These cuts, totaling over $900 million in research contracts, may severely hamper the department's ability to track student progress in critical areas like reading and math. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, could be particularly affected, jeopardizing crucial data collection efforts that inform education policy and funding decisions.

Challenges in Tracking Student Achievement

The reduction in funding has put significant pressure on the Department's capacity to conduct periodic evaluations of students' academic performance. This includes tracking progress in essential subjects such as reading and math. Researchers warn that these cuts will not only hinder the ability to measure achievement but also limit access to vital information needed for improving educational outcomes, especially for underresourced schools and students.

Data collection is a cornerstone of effective education policy. NAEP has been instrumental in assessing student performance for three decades, providing valuable insights into trends and challenges. However, with the cancellation of key contracts, the department may struggle to maintain the integrity and continuity of this assessment process. For instance, the long-term trend assessments for 17-year-olds have already been canceled, raising concerns about the future reliability of NAEP results. Employees fear that without these contracts, it will be nearly impossible to continue collecting the necessary data, leading to a potential collapse in the agency's ability to function effectively. One employee described the situation as "dismembering" the agency, emphasizing the severity of the impact on their work.

Consequences for Funding and Policy Support

The cuts extend beyond just assessments, affecting a wide range of programs that rely on accurate data for funding allocations. The Department’s research arm, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), plays a crucial role in identifying eligible districts for federal assistance, including rural schools and those serving low-income populations. Without reliable data, billions in funding for high-poverty schools and students with disabilities are at risk.

For example, the Rural Education Achievement Program, which supports schools in underserved areas, depends heavily on IES data to determine eligibility and allocate resources. If these data contracts are canceled, it could lead to a halt in funding awards, leaving many schools without the support they critically need. Additionally, the loss of research capabilities means that states and local governments will lack the information required to implement effective teaching methods and improve teacher training. Experts emphasize that cutting off access to this data is detrimental to making informed, data-driven decisions that can help get students back on track. The timing of these cuts is particularly concerning given recent NAEP scores showing a decline in literacy levels, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based interventions.