Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking in Special Education (84.324S)

Through the Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking in Special Education (84.324S) grant program, the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) supports state agencies' use of their statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) to provide evidence for their own program and policy decisions, and those of their local education agencies pertaining to learners with or at risk for disabilities.

State agencies may apply for Using Data for Policymaking in Speical Education grants on their own or in collaboration with other organizations.

Legislation

• The “Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002,” Title I of Public Law 107-279, November 5, 2002
• Section 10634 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. § 19234)
•  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372

Regulations

• Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) codified at 2 C.F.R. Part 200
• The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 C.F.R. parts 77, 81, 82, 84, 86 (part 86 applies only to institutions of higher education), 97, 98, and 99. In addition 34 C.F.R. part 75 is applicable, except for the provisions in 34 CFR 75.100, 75.101(b), 75.102, 75.103, 75.105, 75.109(a), 75.200, 75.201, 75.209, 75.210, 75.211, 75.217, 75.219,75.220, 75.221, 75.222, and 75.230.

Applicant Information

Timeline

• Application Available: August 6, 2026
• Letter of Intent: September 3, 2026 (Submit your Letter of Intent online)
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2026 by 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time
• Possible Start Dates: July 1 - September 1, 2027

Application

• Review the IES Application Submission Guide
• Review the FY 2026 84.324S Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking in Special Education Application Notice and Instructions
• Complete your submission on Grants.gov

Eligibility

Institutions that have the ability and capacity to conduct rigorous research are eligible to apply.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:

• State agencies responsible for education programs and policies
  • Eligible state agencies include the state educational agency (SEA) responsible for the state's K-12 sector as well as state agencies responsible for other specific education sectors such as early intervention, prekindergarten, career and technical education, and postsecondary education
  • State postsecondary education systems may also serve as the state agency
• Non-profit and for-profit organizations
• Public and private agencies and institutions, such as colleges and universities