Trump administration dismantles education research infrastructure in Washington, ending decades of evidence-based policy

The Trump administration’s decision to slash federal education research funding has triggered an unprecedented disruption in the academic and policy community. Grants worth hundreds of millions of dollars have been withdrawn, and large-scale layoffs have hollowed out the very agencies responsible for shaping evidence-based education policy.

Massive cuts to education research grants

The reductions began earlier this year when the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, ordered the cancellation of hundreds of grants issued by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). These grants supported projects focused on digital learning, early literacy, and technology integration in classrooms.One such project involved the development of AI-powered bilingual e-books designed to improve English language instruction for young learners.

Similar research initiatives aimed at promoting family reading habits and enhancing science learning through digital tools have now stalled due to lack of funding.

Institute of Education Sciences left gutted

The IES, the primary federal agency for education research, has lost almost 90% of its workforce. Key programs such as the What Works Clearinghouse, which publishes evidence-based recommendations for schools, have been halted. Additionally, the department canceled contracts with 10 Regional Education Labs that previously provided critical data and analysis for states and districts.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — a key player in data collection — has also been reduced to just a handful of staff members. This downsizing jeopardizes ongoing assessments and the maintenance of national education databases.

Data collections and longitudinal studies frozen

Several large-scale studies have been suspended, including:

These cancellations mean that future research on critical issues like school choice, literacy strategies, and pandemic learning loss will lack robust federal data.

Impact on universities and workforce

The ripple effects are being felt across academic institutions and private research firms. Universities have paused PhD admissions in several education programs, citing uncertain funding. Early-career scholars face disrupted trajectories, while laid-off researchers are leaving the field for roles in technology and private industries.With hundreds of contracts terminated, major consulting and research organizations that partnered with the federal government have also cut staff.

This talent drain represents a long-term loss for the education research community.

Legal challenges and partial reversals

In June, a Supreme Court ruling allowed the administration to move forward with layoffs and restructuring. Some progress has been made through litigation: a class action lawsuit led by university professors resulted in the reinstatement of a few NSF and NEH grants. However, only about 20% of previously suspended contracts have been revived, leaving most projects in limbo.

Uncertain future for evidence-based policy

Despite assurances that the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) will continue, experts warn that the overall infrastructure for education research remains fragile. With minimal staffing, halted data collections, and ongoing legal disputes, America risks losing decades of progress in evidence-driven policymaking.Unless sustained funding and institutional rebuilding occur soon, the gap in research capacity could deepen, affecting not only current initiatives but also the training of future education leaders and scholars.With inputs sourced from The 74