EdTrust criticizes $600 million cuts to teacher training grants

EdTrust has issued a statement criticizing the U.S. Department of Education's decision to cut over $600 million in funding for teacher training grants. The organization argues that this move is ill-timed, given the current teacher shortage and stagnating assessment scores across the country.

"At a time when the country faces a lingering teacher shortage and stagnating assessment scores, it is nonsensical for the Department of Education to cut funding allocated to attract and retain a diverse workforce of excellent educators who are adequately prepared to authentically teach an increasingly diverse American student body," EdTrust said.

The statement highlights the importance of teachers as key factors in improving student outcomes. It points out that having teachers of color benefits all students, noting research showing improved test scores and reduced absenteeism among Black and white students when taught by Black teachers. Additionally, Black students with Black teachers are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college. Suspension rates also drop for Black and Latino students when taught by Latino teachers.

Despite these benefits, EdTrust notes that "the racial makeup of the educator workforce does not match the student body in any state." The organization emphasizes that "the majority of the U.S. K-12 student population has been children of color — and has been for more than a decade."

EdTrust warns that these funding cuts, along with efforts to block diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, end education research contracts, limit inclusive curriculum teaching, and promote school vouchers, constitute an attack on American teachers, students, and families. "Prejudice and racism couched as ‘ending divisive ideology,’ will only harm our collective future," they concluded.

EdTrust remains committed to advancing policies that dismantle racial and economic barriers in education through research and advocacy.

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