What we do
Fund education sciences
Fund education sciences
We fund development and rigorous testing of new approaches for improving education outcomes for all students.
Evaluate federal programs
Evaluate federal programs
We conduct large-scale evaluations of federal education programs and policies.
Support evidence-based policies and practices
Support evidence-based policies and practices
We provide objective information about what works to improve outcomes for all learners.
Collect & report education statistics
Collect & report education statistics
We provide data that describes how well the United States is educating its students.
Scientific peer review
Scientific peer review
We oversee the scientific peer review processes for IES reports and grant applications.
Featured resources and reports
Forum Guide
Forum Guide to Collecting and Using Data About the Educator Workforce
This Forum Guide, developed by the National Forum on Education Statistics, provides best practices for collecting, managing, ...
Publication number:
NFES 2026-002
Featured tools
IES Topic Pages
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
IES has a growing body of research in education and special education, evaluation, statistics, and resources aimed at improving CTE for students at all levels.
Postsecondary Education
IES initiatives collect data on public and private institutions, support research on strategies to improve outcomes for undergraduate students, and evaluate federally funded programs aimed at increasing postsecondary enrollment and graduation.
English Learners
English learner (EL) initiatives at IES include efforts to describe the EL population, understand their learning needs, and develop tools that will support their success.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
STEM initiatives at IES advance the study and implementation of effective instructional practices and track improvement in student learning.
Early Childhood Education
IES initiatives include evaluation student and technical assistance programs; grant programs to fund research on prekindergarten children (ages 3–5); research on infants, toddlers, and young children (ages 0–5) with or at risk for disabilities; and cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
Literacy
Literacy initiatives at IES generate knowledge intended to improve literacy outcomes of all learners.
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Influences on Learning
IES initiatives gather data on school climate, evaluate behavioral interventions, and provide resources for promoting social and emotional well-being.
Education Technology
IES initiatives support research and describe how to use education technology to personalize student learning and improve instruction, assessment, and school administration.
Adult Basic Skills
IES initiatives try to understand and improve the skills of U.S. adults and the systems and programs that aim to support adult learners.
COVID-19
IES is compiling data and carrying out research to understand how COVID-19 is altering education, and generating solutions to support learners, educators, and parents.
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Latest blogs
Blog
Helping Educators Address Chronic Absence Through Evidence-Based Interventions
Helping Educators Address Chronic Absence Through Evidence-Based Interventions
Oct 27, 2025
by Rebecca Lindgren