Elon Musk’s recent cost-cutting initiative has led to significant reductions at the Education Department, totaling over $900 million. This move appears to be strategically aimed at undermining the department’s research division, specifically the Institute of Education Sciences.

The team assembled by Musk, which has worked quietly to dismantle agencies such as U.S.A.I.D. and reduce various government programs, announced on Monday that the Education Department has “terminated” 89 contracts and 29 grants related to diversity and equity training.

These cuts predominantly affect the Institute of Education Sciences, including funding for Education Innovation and Research grants and evaluation projects linked to the What Works Clearinghouse. This organization is responsible for producing and curating research on effective educational practices. Individuals familiar with the department’s contracting, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, revealed that the majority of the terminated contracts were tied to these crucial programs.

Shortly after the release of new federal testing data revealing that reading achievement has reached historic lows, these cuts threaten vital research aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues facing American education since the Covid-19 pandemic, including student absenteeism and behavioral challenges.

A spokesperson for the Education Department did not provide specifics regarding the programs or grants that were affected, referring inquiries to a social media update from Musk’s team.

This decision has sparked immediate concern among researchers and lawmakers, who consider the information produced by the department an invaluable asset for educators striving to enhance teaching methods.

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