IES is the primary research, evaluation, and statistics arm of the U.S. Department of Education. Established through the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA), the Institute's mission is to expand fundamental knowledge and understanding of education and to provide education leaders and practitioners, parents and students, researchers, and the general public with unbiased, reliable, and useful information about the condition and progress of education in the United States. This work examines and informs education policies, programs, and practices aimed at improving learning, achievement, and equitable access to educational opportunities. ESRA requires the director to transmit a biennial report to the President, the Secretary of Education, and Congress that includes: (1) A description of the activities carried out by and through the centers during the prior fiscal years; (2) A summary of each grant, contract, and cooperative agreement in excess of $100,000 funded through the centers during the prior fiscal years, including, at a minimum, the amount, recipient, and purpose of the award, and the relationship, if any, to the priorities and mission of IES; (3) A description of how the activities of the centers are consistent with the principles of scientifically valid research and the priorities and mission of IES; and (4) Such additional comments, recommendations, and materials as the director considers appropriate. This report covers FY 17-18, emphasizing the more recent efforts of Director Schneider and commissioners appointed later in the reporting period.