How we improve education outcomes
Through our programs, we develop scientifically rigorous research to meet the needs of learners, education practitioners, and decision makers
Our goal is to fund research that understands and improves education practices, programs, policies, and systems, especially in areas that are education-insecure due to poverty, family circumstances, and limited language proficiency. We also fund a set of research training programs that invest in the training and development of education scientists.
NCER supports sustained research investments aimed at improving education outcomes and is building a research infrastructure for the education sciences.
NCER researchers are generating knowledge that can be used to improve academic achievement and access to educational opportunities for all learners from prekindergarten through postsecondary and adult education, with a focus on creating an education system that supports all learners. At the same time, NCER supports a coordinated investment in tools and methods of research and research training that are transforming research in the education sciences.
Resources for researchers
NCER Staff are trained scientists who are deeply dedicated to supporting researchers as they propose and carry out high-quality, rigorous education research that contributes to the success of learners, educators, and education systems across the country.
Current funding opportunities
Education Research and Development Center Program - 84.305C
Research Training Programs in the Education Sciences - 84.305B
Meet the Commissioner
Elizabeth Albro
Featured Initiative: Accelerate, Transform, Scale Initiative
IES's Strategy for Bringing Bold, Innovative Ideas to Education at Scale - In the Explanatory Statement accompanying the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117–328), Congress directed IES to invest in quick-turnaround high-reward, scalable solutions intended to improve education outcomes for all students. To fulfill this directive, IES's Accelerate, Transform, and Scale (ATS) initiative was established.
Permission to Replicate Information
Unless stated otherwise, all information on the U.S. Department of Education's NCER website at http://ies.ed.gov/ncer is in the public domain and may be reproduced, published, linked to, or otherwise used without NCER's permission. This statement does not pertain to information at websites other than http://ies.ed.gov/ncer, whether funded by or linked to from NCER.
The following citation should be used when referencing all NCER products:
U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Research.
Product Disclaimer
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.
National Center for Education Research
Institute of Education Sciences
550 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024, USA
Telephone: 1-800-USA-LEARN