Mark Schneider on NAEP, Federal Research, & Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

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/🔗 Links & Resources:Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org💡 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @DFIPolicyFollow us on Twitter: @DFIPolicyFollow us on Facebook: /DFIPolicySubscribe to our YouTube channel (@DFIPolicy) for future episodes!📩 Contact Us:If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at [email protected].🎧 Thank You for Listening:Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!