White House dismantles education research agency

The United States — White House has continued its efforts to shrink the United States — United States Department of Education's research and statistics operations, including the United States — Institute of Education Sciences (IES). An executive order issued last year directed the closure of the Education Department to the maximum extent permitted by law. Half of the agency's employees were fired, including almost 90% from the IES. The IES, founded in 2002 under President George W. Bush, produces the congressionally mandated United States — National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation's Report Card. Layoffs have left the suboffice responsible for the report with only a handful of employees, and there are concerns that state data collection essential for reliable national results has been compromised. The United States — White House commissioned an independent review of IES that called for a massive data-modernization effort, but without a serious, well-funded commitment, the recommendations are unlikely to be fulfilled. The institute has not had a permanent director in more than two years and now has only about two dozen staffers. Critics, including Michael Bloomberg, argue that weakening this office is self-defeating and will harm students and the future of the American economy.