Exploring U.S. Education Spending and Outcomes: An Insight into Recent Claims
The Context of Education Spending
Recently, President Donald Trump has come under scrutiny for his assertions regarding the U.S. education system, particularly the Department of Education. During a White House briefing, he claimed that the United States ranks last among developed nations in educational outcomes while spending the most per student.
“So they rank the top 40 countries in the world, we are ranked No. 40th, but we are ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil,” Trump stated.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims
Upon review, ABC News found that Trump’s assertions are inconsistent with the available data. The U.S. does spend a significant amount on education, averaging approximately $20,387 per student annually, making it one of the highest globally. However, it does not hold the lowest rank in education outcomes.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows that the U.S. placed 9th in reading and 16th in science in the most recent assessment, contradicting claims of a last-place finish. In mathematics, the U.S. ranked 34th, performing around the average.
Shifting Responsibilities: Federal to Local Control
The recent cuts to the Department of Education have been framed by Trump and his administration as an initiative to return control of education to states and localities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the intention is to empower local entities to make critical educational decisions.
Despite these assertions, education is, in many respects, already a state and local responsibility, with the federal government contributing only about 10% of total public school funding, according to educational experts.
Department of Education: Role and Recent Changes
The Department of Education’s responsibilities do not extend to establishing curricula or directly influencing academic standards; these are determined at the state and local levels. Nevertheless, the department does enforce laws to prevent discrimination and administer vital funding programs for K-12 education.
Programs like Title I support underprivileged schools, while the Rural Education Achievement Program aids districts lacking resources. Moreover, the department manages federal student aid, providing grants and low-interest loans for higher education.
Impact of Workforce Reductions
Amid recent layoffs, the department has faced significant workforce reductions, with nearly half of its employees being let go. During this period, employees reported feeling undervalued and disposable, particularly those engaged in critical research and civil rights enforcement roles.
“These students have no one else,” remarked an employee after having their position eliminated, emphasizing the potential negative impact on support for students with disabilities.
The State of Student Performance
While there are areas of strength in certain subjects, recent trends indicate declines in student performance. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports a two-point drop in reading scores for both fourth- and eighth-grade students in the latest assessments, compounded by losses in prior years.
Despite some recovery seen in mathematics, the results have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of students were reported as being below grade level in at least one subject at the end of the last school year, causing concern about the long-term implications of these declines.
Conclusion
The recent discourse surrounding U.S. education under the Trump administration raises essential questions about spending, outcome metrics, and future priorities amidst significant departmental changes. As the landscape evolves, the focus on empowering local education systems highlights the need for continued commitment to ensuring equitable and effective educational opportunities for all students.