Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER): Research Training Programs in Special Education, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.324B
This grant funds training programs to develop researchers' skills in special education, focusing on early career development and methods training using large administrative datasets for studying learners with or at risk for disabilities.
Funder: Department of Education
Due Dates: September 3, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 1, 2026 (Full application, 11:59:59 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: Early Career: up to $500,000 total (4 yrs, with up to $200,000 extra for non-R1 institutions); Methods Training: up to $800,000 total (3 yrs)
Summary: Supports research and training to advance special education and early intervention, focusing on early career development and methods training for analyzing large datasets.
Key Information: Applications must address either Early Career Development or Methods Training; see program for specific eligibility.
Description
This opportunity from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), funds research training programs to strengthen the pipeline of researchers and research capacity in special education. The grant supports two tracks: (1) Early Career Development and Mentoring, for early career researchers developing expertise in special education research, and (2) Methods Training for Special Education Research, focusing on training researchers to analyze large administrative datasets related to learners with or at risk for disabilities.
The Early Career program funds integrated research and career development plans under mentorship, while the Methods Training program funds training activities to enhance methodological skills of current education researchers. For FY 2027, Methods Training proposals must focus on large administrative datasets. Both programs aim to improve outcomes for learners with or at risk for disabilities and to build research capacity across the special education field.
