Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER): Transformative Research in Special Education, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.324T
FY 2027 Phase 1 grants support research to transform preservice teacher education, helping attract, train, and retain preK-12 teachers prepared to improve outcomes for students with or at risk for disabilities.
Funder: Department of Education
Due Dates: October 29, 2026 (Optional letter of intent) | December 11, 2026 (Application, 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: Phase 1: up to $3,750,000 over 3 years, capped at $1,250,000 annually
Summary: Supports transformative research and development to improve preservice teacher education systems and outcomes for students with or at risk for disabilities.
Key Information: Grantees must establish co-design partners and secure at least 5% cost sharing by the end of Year 1.
Description
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), through its National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), supports bold, innovative research and development addressing longstanding challenges in special education. Part of the Accelerate, Transform, and Scale Initiative, this program seeks high-risk, high-reward, scalable solutions supported by high-quality research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The FY 2027 competition funds Phase 1 projects focused on transforming preservice teacher education systems. Solutions must help attract, train, and retain preK–12 general and special education teachers prepared to deliver high-quality instruction to students with or at risk for disabilities. Projects propose deliverables and measurable indicators of progress. Phase 1 must examine teacher outcomes, but need not measure student outcomes. Conventionally detailed research plans and pilot data are not required.
