In this episode of Freedom to Learn, we lament the troubling 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results. Despite billions in recovery funds, the latest data paints a grim picture, particularly for minority, low-income, and special needs students who continue to face significant academic challenges. Former Institute of Education Sciences (IES) director Mark Schneider details the alarming decline in fourth and eighth-grade reading and math scores and the far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and future workforce. Mark stresses the urgent need for more focused, mission-driven research to address the literacy crisis and improve outcomes for the millions of students still unable to read at a basic level. He also shares his perspective on the future of IES, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about potentially dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. 

Read “If the Education Department Can’t Be Closed, at Least Fix It by Breaking It Up” by Mark Schneider: https://www.the74million.org/article/if-the-education-department-cant-be-closed-at-least-fix-it-by-breaking-it-up/

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