The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) joined a coalition of organizations in urging Congress to allocate at least $900 million for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) in the FY 2026 Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, & Related Agencies appropriations bill. The coalition emphasizes that IES plays a crucial role in providing data-driven insights, evidence-based educational practices, and research to improve student outcomes nationwide. Recent administrative actions, including staff reductions and contract cancellations, have significantly hindered IES’s ability to fulfill its mission, putting vital education research, data collection, and program evaluations at risk.
The letter calls on Congress to restore funding to ensure continued support for essential initiatives, including the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the What Works Clearinghouse, and research on AI’s impact on literacy and education technology. Increased investment would also strengthen programs like the Regional Educational Laboratories and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which provide critical insights into student achievement. The coalition urges lawmakers to act swiftly to protect and expand these vital resources for educators, students, and policymakers.
