The Future of Education Research at IES : Advancing an Equity-Oriented Science

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 ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction2 Background3 IES at 204 Project Types for NCER/NCSER Grants5 Research Topics for NCER and NCSER Grants6 Methods and Measures7 Ensuring Broad and Equitable Participation in NCER and NCSERResearch Training Programs8 Application and Review Process9 Concluding ObservationsAppendix A: Gathering and Assessing the EvidenceAppendix B: Email Correspondence Sent to the CommitteeAppendix C: Committee-Commissioned PapersAppendix D: Analysis of IES Funded Topics Commissioned PaperAppendix E: Funding Information in NCER and NCSER Provided by theInstitute of Education SciencesAppendix FCommittee and Staff Biographies