Take Action: Oppose Cancellation of Critical Education Research
Action Alert from the Council for Exceptional Children: It is being reported that up to 169 contracts at the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) in the U.S. Department of Education have been canceled. Members of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) have confirmed receiving these cancellation notices.
IES is an independent research institute created by Congress. It is the leading organization for collecting data and conducting research on the U.S. education system. Its mission is to provide reliable information about education from early childhood to postsecondary study for parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
Within IES, the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) focuses on special education research. NCSER's mission is to understand the needs of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. It helps special educators use evidence-based practices to provide a free, appropriate public education as set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Many effective practices used in schools nationwide come from NCSER-supported research.
CEC members rely on this research and related technical assistance to serve children with disabilities. Canceling these research grants is a major setback for school leaders, teachers, children, youth, toddlers, and infants with disabilities.
These grants were funded by Congress, and it's crucial that you vocalize your support for special education research and ensure Congress understands the gravity of this action.
Tell your Members of Congress that IES research is an essential part of education, and share this action alert widely.
