CONTACT:
media@edtrust.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tues., February 11, 2025

EdTrust Urges Immediate Reinstatement of Education Research Contracts Halted by Trump Administration

Statement from EdTrust on the Trump administration’s decision to end IES contracts

“EdTrust is deeply concerned by the Trump administration’s recent decision to abruptly terminate dozens of contracts funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. This reckless action risks student success, academic excellence, and our nation’s economic growth and workforce competitiveness.

“Data-driven research is the cornerstone of advancing educational opportunities for all students. It shines a light on disparities, guides effective interventions, and directs resources to where they are most needed. The sudden halting of these contracts jeopardizes our collective responsibility to identify and address the inequities that affect a variety of student populations, including students from low-income families, students of color, English language learners, students with disabilities, student parents, and students from rural communities.

“The IES plays a pivotal role in evaluating the effectiveness of federal education initiatives, overseeing the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and funding research that drives innovation and improvement in schools, colleges, and local communities. Disrupting its work not only stalls progress but also diminishes the federal government’s capacity to support and implement evidence-based interventions and practices that help drive positive student outcomes.

“We urge the administration to honor the congressionally mandated commitments to research that is currently underway and to reinstate the IES contracts immediately. Investing in research, data collection, and analysis is not a pointless endeavor; it is fundamental to fostering an equitable and effective education system that serves all students and advances America’s global competitiveness.

“EdTrust remains committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote educational justice. We call upon policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders to join us in emphasizing the critical importance of research, data, and its use in driving interventions that work while ensuring that federal investments are strategically directed to eliminate disparities in education and workforce readiness.

“Education research is more than just numbers and statistics — it shines a light on inequities, drives solutions, and holds systems accountable. Without it, we are left in the dark, unable to see where educational gaps exist or how to close them. The absence of data-driven research is the absence of transparency, and without transparency, progress is impossible.”

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About EdTrust
EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where students will thrive.