APA Services joined the Friends of the Institute of Education Sciences, a coalition of 35 organizations committed to support the critical research, data, statistics, and evaluation programs at Institute of Education Sciences (IES), in a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee chairs and vice chairs (PDF, 98KB)opens in new window, urging that the final fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations include the highest amount possible for IES and do not cut funding for IES programs. Psychologists conduct educational research that informs educators about ways to improve academic achievement for all learners. This includes applying psychological science to teaching methods, the instructional process, and learning outcomes.
The letter emphasized the “strong need for evidence-based tools supported by IES to accelerate and transform learning” while acknowledging the budget caps imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which constrain funding. The groups also expressed appreciation for continued funding for IES programs, which play a vital role in producing critical research on improving education. The coalition also highlighted that “as the U.S. education system continues to address the effects of covid-19 on academic outcomes and student and teacher mental health, further cuts to IES would limit the foundational and transformative work needed to inform evidence-based policy and practice.”
Five months into FY 2024, Congress continues to deliberate the budgets for federal agencies. APA Services continues to urge Congress to complete the FY 2024 appropriations process as continuing resolutions creates inefficiencies and uncertainty for federal agencies.
For more information, contact Angela L. Sharpe.