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This subdirectory lists programs by the name of the administering office or unit, in alphabetical order. A brief description of each program and links for further information are provided. If a Web site or home page does not exist, then contact information is included instead.

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the principal unit responsible for federal education data collection, analysis and publishing.

  • NCES International Programs describes the major international survey and assessment programs that NCES administers itself or participates in together with other national statistical agencies and organizations.

• National Library of Education (NLE) is the central federal repository for reference information about education.

  • Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), the world's largest English-language database of educational articles and documents, providing extensive search capability by topic as well as an electronic question and answer service, Ask ERIC.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)

• Office of Migrant Education (OME) administers assistance programs to help migrant worker families and their children to improve their educational opportunities and to support state agencies engaged in providing education services to migrant workers.

Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA)

• Foreign Language Assistance Program provides grants to state education agencies (SEAs) and local education agencies (LEAs) so they can establish, improve, or expand innovative foreign language programs for elementary and secondary school students. In awarding grants under this program, the secretary of education supports projects that promote systemic approaches to improving foreign language learning.

• National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) is a source for research, information and news concerning the teaching of English to limited-English-proficient students and the teaching of foreign languages to English speakers.

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD)

• Policy and Program Studies Service (PPSS)

  • Asia Pacific Network for Education Web Portal is an on-line resource to promote collaboration and information sharing to improve education in the Asia-Pacific region. It is coordinated through the APEC Cyber Education Cooperation with support from the APEC Education Foundation and the APEC Education Network.
  • APEC Knowledge Bank Website is a web-based repository of education policies, legislation, strategies, and practical resources from around the Asia-Pacific Region. It is coordinated through the APEC Cyber Education Cooperation with support from the APEC Education Foundation and the APEC Education Network.

Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)

• Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) is a grant-making unit dedicated to the support of innovation and reform in higher education.

  • FIPSE International Programs provides an overview of FIPSE support for international projects and links to current funding programs in this area, plus program reports and staff contacts.

• International Education Programs Service (IEPS) performs planning, policy development and grant administration functions for the 14 international higher education programs authorized under Title VI of the Higher Education Act and the Fulbright-Hayes Act. These programs are intended to improve study and research in foreign languages, area studies and international affairs.

• National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA) reviews the standards used by other countries to accredit their medical schools to determine whether these standards are comparable to those used to accredit U.S. medical schools. Accredited medical schools in countries with comparable standards can apply to participate in the U.S. federal student assistance program.

Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS)

• Cooperative Civic Education and Economic Education Exchange Program provides funding to U.S. organizations experienced in developing curricula and program activities in civic, government and economic education, for students in elementary and secondary schools, to carry out cooperative educational exchange program activities with emerging democracies.

Office of the Secretary (OS)

• International Affairs Office (IAO) coordinates the Department's presence in international education affairs.

  • International Education Week (IEW) is an annual celebration co-organized by the Departments of Education and State, highlighting the important benefits of international education and international exchanges in the U.S. and around the world. Each year, activities are focused on a different theme.
  • USNEI-U.S. Network for Education Information is an information service providing information about U.S. education, education in other countries, recognition of foreign schools and qualifications, and studying and teaching abroad and in the United States.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

• National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) conducts coordinated research and related activities, via partner organizations, to assist in the achievement of the full inclusion, social integration, employment and independent living of people with disabilities.

  • Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE) collects and disseminates information on international rehabilitation research and practices; assists researchers with proposal writing and exchange opportunities; and helps service providers regarding the cultural needs of recipient populations.
  • Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Improved Technology Access for Land Mine Survivors (CIR) conducts research and development, education and training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities relating to improved prosthetic technologies and technology access for survivors of land mine explosions.
  • Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is a joint NIDRR-EU program to address newly emerging accessibility issues in the Web industry and to expand implementation of existing Web accessibility solutions via policy and guidelines development, technical assistance and documentation.
  • WHO Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is a World Health Organization Collaborating Center dedicated to improving the lives of persons with psychiatric disabilities and related programs and service systems.
  • WID Disability World is an online exchange service and webzine created by the World Institute on Disability (WID) to share international expertise in research and advocacy on disability issues in 11 countries, in English and Spanish.

• Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees formula and discretionary grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment and live more independently through the provision of such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, job training and other individualized services.

  • Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program makes comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (VR) services available, through support to state agencies, for migrant or seasonal farmworkers with disabilities and develops innovative methods for reaching and serving this population.

Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE)

• United States—Denmark Partnership for Vocational Education is a unique partnership between the Danish and American education departments to share information and insights on career and technical education.