On October 8th, the National Board for Education Sciences (NBES) met to discuss the Institute of Education Sciences’ (IES) ongoing work, focusing on the future of federally funded education research. IES aims to ensure that education research remains responsive and forward-looking while considering federal funding constraints. During the meeting, all four branches of IES provided their updates.
The meeting began with a discussion led by Matthew Solder, Acting Commissioner and Chief Evaluation Officer and Commissioner of National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE), of IES’s overarching strategic framework through its “Theory of Action,” which guides effort to provide reliable information on education conditions and progress, particularly in early childhood and special education, and the effectiveness of educational practices.
Anne Ricciuti, Deputy Director for Science, emphasized the Office’s commitment to maintaining scientific integrity and rigorous peer review. Albro introduced updates to the peer review processes to align with best practices in federal research agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She also highlighted plans to ensure diversity among reviewers and enhance transparency by making review outcomes more accessible.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Peggy Carr, Commissioner of NCES, discussed the center’s mission is to collect, analyze, and report accurate, timely, and nonpartisan statistics on U.S. education, ensuring data remain objective, relevant, and free from bias. NCES functions under federal guidelines, which require comprehensive data collection and reporting on U.S. education. NCES operates with a budget that includes $185 million for NAEP, $122 million for general statistics, and $39 million for SLDS grants. These resources support evidence-based policy decisions and track progress, including the rise in state proficiency standards. In response to the National Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) recommendations, A Vision and Roadmap for Education Statistics, NCES is updating its psychometric standards to emphasize fairness and aligning race and ethnicity data collection with new federal standards by 2029. NCES is also working on timely data releases, enhanced data tools for external research, and broader engagement.
National Center for Education Research (NCER)
Elizabeth Albro, Commissioner of NCER, focused on the center’s mission of addressing pressing educational challenges and improving outcomes across all levels of the U.S. education system. Albro highlighted NCER’s substantial resource allocations through its Education Research Grants and R&D Centers, which target key policy-relevant areas such as literacy, STEM education, and postsecondary access. She also outlined the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a critical funding initiative supporting innovative education technologies and products with the potential to scale nationwide. For FY24, Albro announced that NCER has allocated nearly $240 million in new project investments. This financial support aims to advance knowledge and inform state and federal education policies, improving teaching and learning outcomes at all levels.
National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER)
Nathan Jones, Commissioner of NCSER, presented the center’s mission to sponsor research that improves the developmental, educational, and transitional outcomes of children with disabilities. Its mandate is to expand knowledge about effective services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including early intervention, educational practices, and assessments. This mandate also involves evaluating the effectiveness of the Act’s implementation in coordination with NCEE. NCSER allocates funding through core research programs that support interventions, assessments, and teacher training initiatives. One targeted investment is the “Best in Class” initiative, which aims to improve teacher-student interactions in classrooms serving children with disabilities. NCSER also collaborates with agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to maximize impact and advance special education research
National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE)
Soldner discussed the center’s role in evaluating federal education programs, providing technical assistance, and disseminating research findings. Soldner explained that NCEE supports state and local policy and practice through its Regional Educational Labs (RELs) and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) RELs partner with state education agencies, local education agencies, higher education institutions, and community organizations to address specific policy and practice challenges. These partnerships leverage data and research evidence to guide local decision-making on issues such as K-5 literacy and student discipline outcomes. Additionally, WWC provides comprehensive reviews of research evidence to help educators and policymakers adopt effective interventions.
