Dr. Edward Metz
(202) 208-1983
Edward.Metz@ed.gov

Program Type: Contracts

View the SBIR homepage.

The SBIR Program at the Institute of Education Sciences (Institute) provides up to $1,050,000 in funding to small business firms and partners for the research and development (R&D) of commercially viable education technology products.

The program accepts proposals in education (see below) and special education (click here for details on the program in special education).

Through its education track, the Institute funds the R&D of products to improve student outcomes in education delivery settings (e.g., schools, after-school programs, or distance learning programs), and products to facilitate teacher instructional practices or to improve their efficiency.

Products for student use must be designed to improve student outcomes in one of more of the following areas: reading, writing, STEM (e.g., science, technology, engineering, or math), computer science, economics, history, social studies, geography, civics, foreign language, social skills, dispositions, and behaviors that support academic and other important school-related outcomes (e.g., attendance or high school graduation rates), or general study skills.

Products for teacher use (or other instructional personnel) must be intended either

1. to facilitate instruction (e.g., interactive whiteboards or handheld computers) in one of the following areas: reading, writing, STEM (e.g., science, technology, engineering, or math), computer science, economics, history, social studies, geography, civics, foreign language, social skills, dispositions, and behaviors that support academic and other important school-related outcomes (e.g., attendance or high school graduation rates), or general study skills, or
2. to improve the efficiency or accuracy with which teachers carry out their administrative responsibilities (e.g., recording and calculating grades, or managing the classroom).

Examples of projects could include:

• A web-based simulation platform for biology to improve science outcomes for students.
• An intelligent tutor designed to teach mathematics concepts and monitor students’ incremental progress.
• An interactive learning station with SMART board technology that is designed to improve teacher instructional practices.
• An application (app) for networked handheld smart phones that enables teachers to track student homework in real-time.�� �

Specifications:

Types of Products

• Products may be in the following forms, but are not limited to: software (e.g., intelligent tutors, assessment engines, games), digital format readers, multi-media products (e.g., videoconferencing, or television programs), web-based instruction (e.g., "e-learning" products, distance learning products, or virtual worlds), or other education technology (e.g., interactive whiteboards, clickers, personal computing devices, tables, or handheld devices).
• Products may be, but are not limited to, products that: replace existing curricula or instruction, supplement existing curricula or instruction, or assess student learning to inform teacher instructional practice.

Product Usage

• Products must be for use in school settings (e.g., in class, after school) or for use out of school in conjunction with academic learning in the above areas (e.g., on the school bus, at-home).

Age and Grade Level

• Products for students or teachers that address academic content areas or social skills, dispositions, and behaviors that support academic and other important school-related outcomes must be for any level from prekindergarten through grade 16.
• Products for students or teachers in adult education programs must address basic or secondary reading, writing, or mathematics skills, or English language learners.
• Products may address the needs of students who are English language learners pre-kindergartner through grade 16, or for English language learners in adult education programs for basic or secondary reading, writing, or mathematics skills.