Education Department combines old research records into one new system
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Education is rolling out a new system to keep track of important education studies, combining several older record systems into one super-efficient hub. This change affects anyone involved in these studies and aims to make research smoother and smarter. You’ve got until November 25, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new system officially kicks in, with no extra costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Many study records now consolidated
The Department of Education created a new system of records called "National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance Evaluation Studies (18-14-49)" that replaces and absorbs records from several prior systems, including notices such as 18-13-07, 18-13-24, 18-13-27, 18-13-31, 18-13-36, 18-35-45, 18-13-46, and 18-13-48. The new system became applicable upon publication on October 26, 2026, and the public comment deadline is November 25, 2026.
Sensitive personal data may be collected
If you are considered for or included in an NCEE study, the system may include personally identifiable information such as your name, address, telephone numbers, email, Social Security number, date of birth, race, ethnicity, gender, health information, criminal justice involvement, responses to surveys, voice and video recordings, and education and employment records. The collection of Social Security numbers is authorized when necessary under Executive Order 9397 as amended.
Your data can be shared under routine uses
The Department may disclose personally identifiable information from this system without your consent under the listed routine uses. Disclosures include sharing with contractors, qualified researchers (subject to safeguards and FERPA when student records are involved), Federal, State, and local agencies to obtain records (e.g., academic or benefits records), and staff at study sites to identify participants; the routine uses become effective after the public comment period ends on November 25, 2026, unless changed.
You can access and challenge your records
If you want to see whether a record exists about you, access a record, or contest information about you, you may contact the system manager and must provide identifying details (such as study name, full name, date and place of birth) and proof of identity. Requests must meet the requirements in 34 CFR 5b.5 for access and 34 CFR 5b.7 for contesting content.
Storage, safeguards, and retention rules
Electronic records will be stored on IES or contractor secure servers and paper records in locked cabinets; contractors must follow administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (for example, antivirus, patching, and multi-factor authentication). The Department submitted a records retention schedule to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); pending NARA approval, records will be treated as unscheduled and will not be destroyed except as authorized by NARA.
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Key Dates
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