DOGE cuts US$900 million from agency that tracks American students’ academic progress

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal research agency that tracks the progress of America’s students is being hit with almost US$900 million in cuts after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency found no need for much of its work.

The US Department of Education building is seen in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

It’s unclear to what degree the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences will continue to exist after Musk’s team slashed scores of contracts. Industry groups said at least 169 contracts were suddenly terminated Monday, accounting for much of the institute’s work.
Some of the biggest contracts were for long-term studies that track students’ learning from kindergarten through high school, a study evaluating strategies for teaching elementary school reading, and research on the effectiveness of supports for youth with disabilities, according to list of cuts obtained by The Associated Press. The action will not affect the institute’s primary work, including the NAEP assessment, known as the nation’s report card, and the College Scorecard, a database of university costs and outcomes, Education Department spokesperson Madison Biedermann said.
The cuts raised alarm among advocates who said they could hurt the accountability of America’s education system, leaving the nation in the dark on schools′ effectiveness. Historically, achievement gaps have shown low-income students and students of color falling behind their peers.
The cuts are counterproductive and destructive, said Rachel Dinkes, president and CEO of the Knowledge Alliance, a coalition of education research firms.
“Cutting out at the knees the one independent agency that helps improve student outcomes is ridiculous,” Dinkes said.
Musk’s grip on the Education Department was dealt a setback Tuesday when the agency agreed to temporarily block DOGE workers from more than a dozen internal systems containing sensitive information. DOGE has been tasked with slashing costs across the federal government. As part of a lawsuit challenging its access, the department agreed to block Musk’s team until at least Monday while a judge weighs a broader pause.
The range of contracts cut at IES varies widely, from academic studies to logistical support and contracts to participate in international studies. Several deliver research that was mandated by Congress.
In response to questions, Biedermann referred to a social media post from DOGE that said Musk’s team had terminated 89 contracts worth $881 million, including US$1.5 million to a contractor hired to “observe mailing and clerical operations” at a mail centre. Another post said 29 grants totaling US$101 million for training in diversity, equity and inclusion had been cut.

(Latest Update February 13, 2025)