Public Comments on the Department of Education's Request for Information on Redesigning the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Education requested public input on redesigning the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). On October 15, 2025, the New America Education Policy Program submitted public comments urging the Department to prioritize continuity of its critical longitudinal studies, expand data linkages across early learning, K–12, higher education, and workforce systems, and reinforce its independence, transparency, and long-term stability.

If designed thoughtfully, a reimagined IES could transform how research informs policy and practice. Our recommendations emphasize protecting national assessments and studies from disruption, ensuring that research reflects the full diversity of students and institutions, modernizing data infrastructure, and investing in dissemination strategies so that high-quality evidence reaches—and benefits—educators, policymakers, and the public alike.