The Future of Education Research at IES

In 2002 Congress passed the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA), authorizing the creation of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) as the research, evaluation, statistics, and assessment arm of the Department of Education, and crystallizing the federal government's commitment to providing national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood through postsecondary study. IES shares information on the condition and progress of education in the United States, including early childhood education and special education; educational practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to educational opportunities for all students; and the effectiveness of federal and other education programs.

In response to a request from the Institute of Education Sciences, this report provides guidance on the future of education research at the National Center for Education Research and the National Center for Special Education Research, two centers directed by IES. This report identifies critical problems and issues, new methods and approaches, and new and different kinds of research training investments.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Background
• 3 IES at 20
• 4 Project Types for NCER/NCSER Grants
• 5 Research Topics for NCER and NCSER Grants
• 6 Methods and Measures
• 7 Ensuring Broad and Equitable Participation in NCER and NCSER Research Training Programs
• 8 Application and Review Process
• 9 Concluding Observations
• Appendix A: Gathering and Assessing the Evidence
• Appendix B: Email Correspondence Sent to the Committee
• Appendix C: Committee-Commissioned Papers
• Appendix D: Analysis of IES Funded Topics Commissioned Paper
• Appendix E: Funding Information in NCER and NCSER Provided by the Institute of Education Sciences
• Appendix FCommittee and Staff Biographies
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