Since 1979, the U.S. Department of Education has spent over $3 trillion with virtually nothing to show for it. Despite per-pupil spending having increased by more than 245% over that period, there has been virtually no measurable improvement in student achievement:
- Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds are at the lowest level in decades.
- Six-in-ten fourth graders and nearly three-quarters of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
- Seven-in-ten fourth and eighth graders are not proficient in reading, while 40% of fourth grade students don’t even meet basic reading levels.
- Standardized test scores have remained flat for decades.
- U.S. students rank 28 out of 37 OECD member countries in math.
Instead of maintaining the status quo that is failing American students, the Trump Administration’s bold plan will return education where it belongs — with individual states, which are best positioned to administer effective programs and services that benefit their own unique populations and needs.
Instead of a bloated federal system that burdens schools with regulations and paperwork, the Trump Administration believes states should be empowered to expand educational freedom and opportunity for all families.
Why would we keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result?
