September 8, 2021
In February 2021, FABBS joined the Friends of IES to send a letter to Congress requesting supplemental funding for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We listed specific areas in which funding was most necessary, including creating a school pulse survey, investing in special education research, and investing in Regional Education Laboratories to strengthen the connection between research and practice.
IES Director Mark Schneider’s most recent blog post outlines how the Institute is using $100 million in COVID relief funding that the agency received from the American Rescue Plan in March. The Director highlighted several key programs and objectives:
School Pulse Survey – ensuring timely reporting of data in usable a usable interface. [FABBS joined community partners in February 20201 to request that Congress fund a School Pulse Survey at IES to collect timely data to inform remote learning and reopening plans, and address learning loss.]
Improving Middle School Science – launching a prize competition focused on improving learning in science.
Evidence-Based Practices for Recovery and Renewal – web-based platform distilling the best guidance to improve student learning.
Research Networks on State and Local Recovery Efforts – funding research to better understand instructional losses and effective remedies from pre-K through community college.
Innovative Products to Support Learning Acceleration for Pandemic Recovery and Beyond – establishing a research network to develop evidence-based products.
Research to Accelerate Pandemic Recovery in Special Education – grant program to support learners with disabilities, their teachers, and their families.
Artificial Intelligence Institute – advancing AI- driven research and innovation for learners with disabilities.
