OSERS-OSEP: National Assessment Center, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.326G
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that want to establish a National Assessment Center improving educational outcomes for children with disabilities. Eligible applicants include state educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, public agencies, private nonprofits, and tribal organizations. The center will provide technical assistance on state and district assessments and support research-based activities to increase disability inclusion in assessments.
Activities include technical assistance delivery, model demonstration projects, information dissemination, and implementation of research-based interventions. The work aligns with IDEA requirements that children with disabilities participate in state assessments with appropriate accommodations. Nonprofits must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status or equivalent recognition.
Program description
Program Description: The purpose of this grant competition is to establish a National Assessment Center to improve children with disabilities’ participation in and performance on State and districtwide assessments. This award is funded under the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program. The goal of this program is to promote academic achievement and to improve results for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance (TA), supporting model demonstration projects, disseminating useful information, and implementing activities supported by scientifically based research.
This award aligns to requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Specifically, section 612(a)(16) requires that all children with disabilities are included with appropriate accommodations in general State and districtwide assessments as indicated in their individualized education programs, including assessments described under section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and alternate assessments. Many States have also adopted kindergarten entry assessments to assess multiple developmental domains and support early learning. Additionally, Section 663(b)(2) of IDEA requires that the Secretary use funds to support activities to improve the participation of children with disabilities in State assessments.
ALN: 84.326G.
Applicants are required to follow the 2025 Common Instructions and Information for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234) and available at ED 2025 Common Instructions.
Note: For new potential grantees unfamiliar with grantmaking at ED, please consult our “Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications” webpage.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Assurances and Certifications
- Appendices (as specified in ED instructions)
Program contact
- 👤 Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 Kristen.Rhoads@ed.gov
- 📞 2022456408
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.326 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$31,250,000
-
$22,400,000
-
$21,750,000
-
$21,298,622
-
$20,704,599
-
$13,593,788
-
$11,150,000
-
$9,998,628
-
$9,000,000
-
$8,500,000
Top States by Funding
- NC 6 awards $55.9M
- CA 8 awards $53.5M
- TX 5 awards $49.4M
- OR 4 awards $22.4M
- VA 4 awards $20.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 84.326). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $44,345,000 | |
| 2019 | $44,345,000 | |
| 2020 | $44,345,000 | |
| 2021 | $44,345,000 | |
| 2022 | $44,345,000 | |
| 2023 | $45,345,000 | |
| 2024 est. | $39,345,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $45,345,000 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
SEAs, LEAs, IHEs, public agencies, private nonprofits, tribal organizations, and for-profit organizations are eligible. Nonprofits must verify 501(c)(3) status using one of four approved methods.
What is the funding amount?
The total funding pool is $1,000,000. Specific award amounts are not predetermined.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this award.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is July 20, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What will the center actually do?
The center provides technical assistance on assessments, demonstrates model projects, disseminates research, and implements evidence-based practices to improve participation of children with disabilities in state assessments.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Follow the 2025 ED Common Instructions and Information for Applicants published in the Federal Register. These requirements are mandatory for all discretionary grant applications.
- Emphasize your experience providing technical assistance and evidence-based interventions for educational assessments. Show track record with this population.
- Address how your center will serve states and districts with varying needs. Include a clear dissemination strategy and sustainability plan.
- Consult ED's "Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications" webpage if your organization is new to federal education grants. This saves time on procedural questions.
- Clearly connect your proposed activities to IDEA section 612(a)(16) and section 663(b)(2) requirements. Demonstrate alignment with federal assessment inclusion mandates.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack evidence of prior success providing TA on assessments for children with disabilities. Proposals fail to address how the center will actually reach and support states and LEAs. Applicants ignore ED's mandatory common instructions, missing compliance requirements.
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