Institute of Education Sciences

The Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 established a new organization within the U.S. Department of Education, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Its mission is to provide rigorous evidence on which to ground education practice and policy. By identifying what works, what doesn’t, and why, IES intends to improve the outcomes of education for all students, particularly those at risk of failure.

The Institute funds hundreds of research studies on ways to improve academic achievement, conducts large-scale evaluations of federal education programs, and reports a wide array of statistics on the condition of education such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress. IES supports the building of an infrastructure for evidence-based education through activities such as grants to states to develop longitudinal data systems. IES disseminates evidence on education to the public and practitioners through the What Works Clearinghouse, the ERIC education database, conferences, publications and products, 10 regional educational laboratories, and 10 national research and development centers.

By law and by culture, IES activities are free of partisan political influence. IES operates with the oversight and counsel of the National Board for Education Sciences. For more information, visit the IES website.