The FY 2019 competition for the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program has been announced. This year, EIR has $125 million available in funding and plans to award about half of that to STEM education projects (with competitive preference priority to computer science). Proposals must be submitted by April 2nd, and Rockman et al researchers are (info@rockman.com) to help!
The purpose of the EIR program is to provide funding for evidence-based innovations to improve achievement and other important outcomes of underserved students in K–12. Particular attention is paid to prospective grantees proposing robust evaluation designs that are deemed likely to meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Standards. To support development and scaling efforts of Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), State Educational Agencies (SEAs), or non-profits, EIR makes three types of grants: Early-phase, Mid-phase, and Expansion. The size of each award increases as the quality of evidence in support of the innovation expands, with early-phase grants being awarded up to $4 million, mid-phase up to $8 million, and expansion up to $15 million. All three tiers are eligible for funding up to five years. The EIR program is the successor of the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant program, which began in 2010.
A great deal of information about EIR grants can be found on the EIR competition page, including FAQs and specific information about the priorities, requirements, selection criteria, and application process. Click here to find funded EIR proposals.
Rockman et al (REA) has designed and led three independent i3 evaluations—two early-phase/development projects and one mid-phase/validation project. Through these projects and many other multiyear, multisite projects, REA has successfully conducted a wide range of rigorous evaluations of K–12 innovations, including impact studies involving experimental or quasi-experimental designs. (Click here for examples of past i3 projects)
If you are planning or considering an application to EIR and are seeking an evaluator, we encourage you to contact us (info@rockman.com) to discuss your project and needs. Through our experience over the years, we have learned a lot about what information reviewers are seeking and the selection criteria they use. We would be happy to share what we’ve learned to help you develop a strong proposal.