Since 1972, the Department of Education (DOE) has collected data that has been used by researchers, educators, and policymakers to draw conclusions and develop policies that influence American education. Local school administrators would use the data to track benchmarks and identify areas of improvement. In February of 2025, the DOE cancelled survey contracts for some data in an effort to cut costs, including state-level data about racial disparity, special education, disciplinary actions, and tracking longitudinal progress post-graduation.
Leaders at the National Center for Education Statistics have expressed concern over the cancellation of data collection and have acknowledged that even if the data collection resumes in the future, the ‘hole’ in the data set could impact policy-making for years to follow.
Many researchers and educators worry that without this data, it will be harder to understand how schools are serving different groups of students. Data about racial disparities, special education, and school discipline help identify where students are being treated unfairly or where extra help is needed. Without consistent information, states and local districts lose a key tool for accountability. For example, the Civil Rights Data Collection has been used to reveal higher suspension rates for students with disabilities and students of color. Losing this information could make it more difficult to notice patterns of inequity or to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
The Department of Education’s decision to cancel major data collection programs affects more than just numbers—it impacts students, teachers, and families across the country. When accurate information is missing, it becomes harder to make informed decisions and create fair policies. Restoring and protecting educational data collection is essential to understanding how schools work and how they can improve. Without it, policymakers risk making choices that do not reflect the real experiences of America’s students, especially those with disabilities or from underserved communities.
Click here to learn more about the projected effects of discontinuing this data collection.
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