National Center for Education Statistics (2024)

History of NCES

NCES's primary mission traces back to the original legislation instituting the Department of Education in 1867, which called for

collecting such statistics and facts as shall show the condition and progress of education in the several States and territories, and of diffusing such information respecting the organization and management of schools and school systems, and methods of teaching, as shall aid the people of the United States in the establishment and maintenance of efficient school systems, and otherwise promote the cause of education throughout the United States.2

The agency's name and status, have changed many times: first from a department to a bureau; then to an office; then to a division—initially in the U.S. Department of the Interior, then in the Federal Security Agency, and then in the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).3Its name was officially recognized in law as the “National Center for Education Statistics” in 1974, when it was a division of HEW.4When the current U.S. Department of Education was established in 1979, NCES became part of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI).5The Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 then placed NCES within the Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

More detailed historical information is available at: Retrospective Report (ed.gov)


2See theImproving America’s Schools Act of 1994[P.L. 103–382, H.R. 6, Title IV, § 402(a)].

3Specifically, NCES became a division in the Department of the Interior in 1869, in the Federal Security Agency in 1939, and in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1953. As part of the Office of Education’s reorganization in 1965, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) was created as a staff unit within the larger agency. For more details on the history of the agency, see120 Years of American Education: A Statistical Portrait, pp. 1–4.

4SeeElementary and Secondary Education Amendments(1974) [P.L. 93–380, H.R. 69, Title V, § 406(a)].

5SeeAn act to establish a Department of Education, and for other purposes(1979) [P.L. 96–88, S. 210, Title III, § 301(c)]. For more historical information on OERI and NCES, seeChanging Federal Strategies for Supporting Educational Research, Development, and Statistics.

National Center for Education Statistics (2024)

FAQs

Is the National Center for Education Statistics credible? ›

NCES is the trusted entity naturally positioned to place such diverse sources of data in context to produce actionable information—giving policymakers and the public insights into the condition and progress of education in their communities.

What is the enrollment of the National Center for Education Statistics? ›

In fall 2021, total enrollment remained at around 49.4 million students. Due primarily to projected declines in the school-age population, total public elementary and secondary school enrollment is projected to decrease between fall 2021 and fall 2031 (the last year for which projected data are available).

What is the best source of education data? ›

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.

What is the National Center for educational statistics student to teacher ratio? ›

Student-to-teacher ratio, public schools
20222021
Student-to-teacher ratio, public schools15.3815.45

Is the National Center for Education Statistics a government agency? ›

About NCES

It is one of thirteen principal federal statistical agencies1 whose activities are predominantly focused on the collection, compilation, processing, or analysis of information for statistical purposes. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES).

Who runs the National Center for Education Statistics? ›

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the part of the United States Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) that collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on education and public school district finance information in the United States.

What is the National Center for Education Statistics 20% of students? ›

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 20% of students who recently earned bachelor's degrees were business majors. Imagine taking an SRS of 300 students who recently earned bachelor's degrees and calculating ô = the proportion of students in the sample who majored in business.

Did a study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 14 percent of US schools exceed capacity? ›

An estimated 14 percent of the nation's schools had enrollments exceeding intended capacity by up to 25 percent, including 8 percent of schools that were severely overcrowded, exceeding capacity by more than 25 percent.

What is considered a low acceptance rate? ›

In general, schools with low acceptance rates (lower than 10 percent) are more selective or have high standards, or have tens of thousands of students applying for relatively few spots. This can be good if you seek a more rigorous academic program or want to be part of a more competitive and prestigious student body.

What are the 5 C's in curriculum? ›

A core element of SCSD's Strategic Plan is a focus on the skills and conceptual tools that are critical for 21st Century learners, including the 5Cs: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Citizenship (global and local) and Creativity & Innovation.

What country has the best education? ›

Best Education System In The World: Top Countries and Ranking
  • United States of America.
  • United Kingdom.
  • Germany.
  • Canada.
  • France.
  • Japan.
  • Switzerland.
  • Australia.
Apr 22, 2024

What is the average education level in America? ›

General attainment of degrees/diplomas
EducationAge 25 and overAge 25-30
High school diploma or GED89.80%92.95%
Some college61.28%66.34%
Associate degree45.16%46.72%
Bachelor's degree34.98%36.98%
3 more rows

Where does IPED data come from? ›

It is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). IPEDS gathers information from every college, university, and technical and vocational institution that participates in the federal student financial aid programs.

What school has the highest student to teacher ratio? ›

Ten colleges on the top-16 list tied for the highest student-faculty ratio: six students for each faculty member. But out of all ranked schools, California State Polytechnic University—Pomona, where total undergraduate enrollment is 26,974, had the highest ratio: 40:1.

How do you know if a school is rural or urban? ›

Use the National Center for Education Statistics website to search for your school. In the "School Details" section, check the designation for "Locale."

Is NCES peer reviewed? ›

NCES reports that include data or the analysis of data undergo both internal peer review.

Is the Office for National statistics real? ›

We are the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, who are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics which serve the public good.

How successful is the Office for National statistics? ›

Demonstrating the success and impact of analysis carried out is extremely important and will help build public confidence and support for research using information they have provided. A 2016 Public Confidence in Official Statistics survey reported that trust in ONS is very high (90%). However, we can't be complacent.

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