Illuminating Education
A comprehensive guide to the Institute of Education Sciences, the independent research and evaluation arm shaping U.S. education policy and practice.
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Our Mission
Scientific Foundation for Education
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) stands as the independent, non-partisan statistics, research, and evaluation branch of the U.S. Department of Education. Established by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, its fundamental mission is to generate and disseminate scientific evidence that informs and strengthens education practice and policy across the nation.[1]
Bridging Research and Practice
IES is dedicated to ensuring that this crucial scientific information is presented in formats that are not only useful but also readily accessible to a diverse audience. This includes educators, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the general public, fostering a data-driven approach to improving educational outcomes.[1]
Leadership and Continuity
The inaugural director of IES was Grover Whitehurst, appointed in November 2002, who served a six-year tenure. As of March 2024, Matthew Soldner holds the position of acting Director, guiding the Institute's ongoing commitment to rigorous educational inquiry.[2]
Research Centers
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
NCES serves as the principal federal entity responsible for the collection and analysis of data pertaining to education within the United States and internationally. Its extensive portfolio includes critical programs such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), providing invaluable insights into educational trends and performance. James Lynn Woodworth is the current Commissioner of NCES.[5]
National Center for Education Research (NCER)
NCER is dedicated to advancing educational quality and student outcomes through robust research initiatives. It actively supports research endeavors aimed at identifying effective solutions to challenges faced by the education community. Furthermore, NCER funds training programs designed to cultivate highly skilled researchers capable of conducting rigorous, scientific education research. Elizabeth Albro is the Commissioner of NCER.[4]
National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE)
NCEE plays a pivotal role in conducting large-scale evaluations of educational programs and practices, particularly those supported by federal funding. It also provides research-based technical assistance and disseminates high-quality research findings to educators and policymakers. Key initiatives under NCEE include the Regional Educational Laboratory Program, the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), the What Works Clearinghouse, and the National Library of Education. Matthew Soldner serves as the Commissioner of NCEE.[3]
National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER)
NCSER is committed to sponsoring and supporting comprehensive research focused on expanding knowledge and understanding of infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities, as well as those at risk of developing disabilities. This center also provides vital support for training programs that prepare researchers to conduct high-quality, scientific special education research. Joan E. McLaughlin is the Commissioner of NCSER.
Board Governance
The National Board for Education Sciences (NBES)
The National Board for Education Sciences (NBES) functions as a crucial advisory body for IES. It comprises 15 voting members, each appointed by the President of the United States, ensuring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. Additionally, the Board includes several ex-officio, non-voting members, such as the IES Director, the Commissioners of the four research centers, and representatives from key federal agencies like the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Science Foundation.[7]
Guiding Research Priorities
The primary role of the NBES is to advise and consult with the IES Director and the Commissioners of its centers. This collaborative process is essential for identifying and prioritizing the most pressing research and organizational needs for IES, thereby ensuring its work remains relevant and impactful. In October 2022, President Biden announced his intention to appoint 15 new members to the NBES, signaling a renewed focus on its advisory capacity.[6] Previously, Larry Hedges of Northwestern University served as the chairman of the NBES.[7]
Appointment Dynamics
Controversies in Board Appointments
During the transition period between the Trump and Biden administrations in late 2020 and early 2021, a series of "eleventh-hour" appointments to the NBES board sparked significant controversy. These appointments, made despite existing vacancies for several years, drew sharp criticism from various education organizations due to concerns regarding the appointees' perceived lack of academic or educational research credentials.[8][9][10][11]
A Legal Challenge and Resolution
In May 2021, two of the newly appointed NBES professors, Steve Hanke and John Yoo, published a commentary in *The Wall Street Journal*. They contended that their Board commission documents had been duly signed and certified by the Trump administration and transmitted to the Secretary of Education's office. However, the incoming Secretary, Miguel Cardona, reportedly declined to acknowledge these appointments, deliver the necessary credentials, or facilitate the statutorily mandated Board meetings.[12] The professors drew a parallel between these circumstances and the seminal 1803 U.S. Supreme Court case of *Marbury v. Madison*, which established judicial review.
Operational Shifts
Significant Funding Reductions
On February 10, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a unit operating within the Trump administration and led by Elon Musk, announced substantial plans to curtail most of IES' existing contracts. These proposed cuts amounted to a staggering $881 million, affecting 169 contracts across various research and evaluation initiatives.[17][18]
Immediate Work Stoppage
Following this announcement, numerous researchers and contractors engaged with IES received directives to immediately cease work on their ongoing research projects and program evaluations. These contracts included vital initiatives focused on student resources, indicating a broad and immediate impact on the Institute's operational capacity. Consequently, the Institute of Education Sciences was described as being "all but shut down" due to these abrupt and extensive cuts.[17][19]
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional policy or research advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official government documentation, engaging with qualified educational policy experts, or conducting independent academic research. Always refer to official IES publications and consult with appropriate professionals for specific educational policy, research, or programmatic needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.