Emily Tate Sullivan Senior Reporter | EdSurge Research
Bruce McLaren, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, has spent years developing educational games to enhance children's learning in math. One of his creations, "Decimal Point," aimed to help students understand decimal fractions through interactive gameplay. However, McLaren's research efforts have hit a roadblock as thousands of National Science Foundation (NSF) grants, including his own, have been terminated.
McLaren's work showed promising results in helping girls with math anxiety learn more effectively. He planned to extend this research but was halted by the NSF's decision. According to McLaren, the ultimate goal was to create games that assist girls struggling with math.
Crystal Kalinec-Craig from the University of Texas at San Antonio also faced similar setbacks. Three of her NSF-funded projects were canceled abruptly. Kalinec-Craig remarked on the unusual nature of these terminations, stating that typically only serious misconduct leads to such actions. The NSF cited a lack of alignment with its mission and vision as the reason for these decisions.
The terminations are part of a broader trend highlighted in an October 2024 report by Sen. Ted Cruz when he was a minority member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Now chairing the committee, Cruz’s report criticized diversity and inclusion initiatives as “woke Neo-Marxist left” rhetoric.
The National Science Foundation has been funding scientific progress since 1950. Its support has led to significant breakthroughs globally. Noem Ross from rOpenSci expressed concern over the impact these cuts could have on scientific advancement and opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Among over 1,000 terminated grants, 417 related specifically to STEM education research valued at more than $322 million were affected. Many focused on teaching future teachers how to address various student needs beyond rote learning methods.
Frances Harper from the University of Tennessee also lost funding for her project examining how Black and LatinX families engage with their children’s math education. Her research aimed at bridging gaps between educators and parents concerning new teaching methodologies.
Researchers like Kalinec-Craig argue that political motives might be influencing grant cancellations underlined by ideological differences rather than scientific merit or misconduct issues. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to advocating for her work in math education alongside fellow researchers who share similar experiences amid ongoing discussions about fairness within federal funding allocations.
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