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Research Programs

The National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), one of four centers within the Institute of Education Sciences, supports a comprehensive research program to promote the highest quality and rigor in research on special education and related services, and to address the full range of issues facing children with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, school personnel, and others. NCSER was established on December 3, 2004 with the President's signing of the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The requirements mandated under IDEA transferred the responsibilities and authority for research in special education within the U.S. Department of Education from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Institute of Education Sciences. (For NCSER's complete definition of disability and risk for disability, click here.)

FY 2015 RFA Surveys: Findings and Suggestions for Improvement
This document is the RFA Survey Report which describes the methods used for the FY 2015 and FY 2014 surveys, explains their results, and summarizes applicants' suggestions for RFA improvement. The purpose of the surveys was to obtain feedback from applicants regarding the clarity of the requirements and information provided in three RFAs: The Education Research Grants program (CFDA # 84.305A), Special Education Research Grants program (CFDA # 84.324A, 2015 survey only), and the Partnerships and Collaborations Focused on Problems of Practice or Policy program (CFDA # 84.305H). The Institute will use the feedback from the surveys to improve future RFAs.
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NCSER Summary of Research Findings 2006–2012
This document highlights findings from NCSER’s program of research that targets infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities or who are at risk for developing disabilities. Findings include the identification of efficacious interventions, validation of assessments to identify children for earlier intervention, and the development of technological innovation to provide support and instruction for children with disabilities and their families.
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NCSER Projects and Programs
This booklet lists research grants and contracts that represent NCSER's current investments. These investments will evaluate the effectiveness of programs, intervention, strategies, and assessment tools to determine what works in addressing the needs of infants and children with disabilities.
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Summaries of NCSER-Funded Research by Topic
These documents provide comprehensive summaries of NCSER-funded research conducted in various topic areas. The current summaries will be updated and summaries on new topics will be added over time.
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