September 2026

Proposed Department of Education rules could make research grants easier to terminate, change how they are awarded and continued, and narrow the research methods eligible for support. AERA outlined those concerns in comments submitted September 23, urging the department to withdraw the proposal.

“These changes could lead to ideologically driven—rather than scientific merit-based—decisions regarding what education research gets funded, affect whether projects can be completed, and impact how research findings are or can be used,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “We are urging the Education Department to withdraw the proposal and protect the research that helps improve learning opportunities for students.”

The proposed changes to the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) would allow grants to be suspended or terminated “for convenience.” AERA warned that ending projects midstream could disrupt data collection, partnerships with schools and communities, and financial support for graduate students. It could also result in “increased waste of federal spending,” the comments noted.

AERA opposed allowing the department to favor applicants from institutions with lower indirect cost rates, which are separate from the scientific merit of a proposal. It warned that funding an entire multiyear grant in its first year could reduce the number of new grants awarded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). AERA also urged the department to leave decisions about continuing IES grants with the institute, warning that expanded review by the secretary could inject “shifting political priorities” into its work.

The comments raised concerns that proposed evidence definitions could narrow the research methods supported by IES. AERA called on the department to retain references to What Works Clearinghouse standards and allow researchers to use methods suited to their questions, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.

AERA also questioned how proposed requirements tied to executive orders would apply to IES research. Undefined terms and unclear restrictions could affect lawful studies of outcomes among different student populations, including research that uses demographic data to identify and address gaps in learning opportunities.

Several provisions parallel changes proposed in a separate government-wide grantmaking rule. AERA expressed concern that the department was moving ahead with them before that rulemaking was complete. The current continuing resolution prohibited the use of funds to advance updates to the Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance.

AERA’s submission followed a September 10 action alert encouraging association members to comment by the September 23 deadline. The association provided a summary of provisions relevant to education research and asked members to offer concrete examples of the proposal’s likely effects.