The Department of Education Over the Years: A Deep Dive into Declining Student Performance

Department of Education

Examining Federal Education Policy, Test Scores, and the Future of the Department

The U.S. Department of Education, established over 40 years ago to enhance the nation’s education system, is once again under scrutiny as political leaders, including President-elect Donald Trump, call for its dissolution. With student performance in math and reading at record lows and ongoing debates about federal versus state control of education, this article examines key trends in test scores, graduation rates, and federal funding.

A Brief History of the Department of Education

The Department of Education was officially formed in 1980 after Congress passed the Department of Education Organization Act in 1979 during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. Its mission was to establish policies, distribute federal aid to schools, and coordinate educational programs across the country. However, its existence has been contentious, particularly among Republican lawmakers who argue that education decisions should be made at the state and local levels.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, he has questioned the department’s effectiveness, raising concerns about whether centralized federal oversight has improved student outcomes or if decentralizing education policy would lead to better results.

Declining Test Scores and Academic Performance

Since the Department of Education’s inception, student test scores have steadily declined. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that math and reading scores for 13-year-olds in the 2022-2023 school year were the lowest in decades. While standardized testing is primarily a state responsibility, the Department of Education mandates and oversees national testing policies, contributing to ongoing debates about its role in shaping academic standards.

Key Findings on Student Performance:

  • The average ACT composite score in the 1990s was 20.8, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). By 2024, ACT data revealed Nevada had the lowest average score at 17.2, with Oklahoma following at 17.6.
  • The decline in test scores predates the COVID-19 pandemic. Although school closures in 2020 impacted student learning, National Center for Education Statistics Commissioner Peggy G. Carr noted that the downward trend began as early as 2015.
  • International comparisons show that European and East Asian countries, which do not rely on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT, consistently outperform the U.S. in academic rankings.

Education Funding: A Waste or a Necessity?

The role of federal funding in education remains controversial. Proponents argue that federal oversight ensures consistent quality and equitable resource distribution, while critics claim it wastes taxpayer money without yielding significant improvements.

Federal Funding Trends:

  • In the 1980s, funding was tied to specific requirements, such as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.
  • Under President Biden, the Department of Education allocated over $1 billion to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools. Critics argue this diverts resources from core academic priorities.
  • A 2024 report from Parents Defending Education found that since 2021, over $1 billion has been spent on race-based hiring, general DEI programs, and DEI-based mental health initiatives.
  • Some experts propose redirecting funds directly to states, allowing them to allocate resources based on local needs.

High School Graduation Rates: A Mixed Picture

Graduation rates have fluctuated over the years, showing both periods of decline and improvement.

  • In the 1970-1971 school year, the national high school graduation rate was 78%.
  • Following the Department of Education’s establishment, graduation rates dropped to 72.9% in 1982 and remained in the low 70s for decades.
  • The 2021-2022 school year saw an increase, with an 87% graduation rate, seven percentage points higher than a decade prior.

Curriculum Changes and Parental Involvement

The Department of Education does not dictate school curricula, leaving these decisions to states and local school boards. However, curriculum debates have intensified in recent years, particularly regarding parental rights and controversial topics.

Recent Curriculum Controversies:

  • A school district in New York introduced a “gender curriculum” for elementary students to promote inclusion.
  • Washington and Oregon education boards implemented policies requiring young students to learn about gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • Parents across the country have voiced concerns about transparency and the lack of parental input in curriculum decisions.

The Future of the Department of Education

President-elect Trump is not the first leader to propose dismantling the Department of Education. Former President Ronald Reagan advocated for its elimination in 1981, arguing that local education policies should not be dictated by Washington.

Experts remain divided on whether the department should be abolished or reformed:

  • David Kanani, President of Los Angeles ORT College, supports reform over elimination, emphasizing the importance of federal oversight in STEM education.
  • Andrew Clark, President of the advocacy group yes. every kid., suggests implementing gradual reforms to prevent disruption in the education system.

Conclusion

As the debate over the Department of Education’s future intensifies, policymakers must weigh the agency’s impact on student outcomes against the benefits of localized control. With test scores at historic lows, education funding under scrutiny, and curriculum battles heating up, the next administration faces tough decisions on the future of American education.

Source: FOX News


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