This primer summarizes the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA), the Educational Technical Assistance Act (ETAA), and the National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act (NAEPAA). The report is organized in a manner that aligns with P.L. 107-279, the law that enacted the three acts. The ESRA authorizes much of the federal government's efforts to collect statistics and conduct research on the U.S. educational system. Part A of the ESRA establishes the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) as an independent research institute and the National Board of Educational Sciences to advise and approve priorities for data collection and research. Parts B thru E of the ESRA authorize four National Education Centers that carry out the research and data collection duties of IES. The ETAA authorizes support for technical assistance activities and the development of state systems that integrate student-level data from preschool through postsecondary education and employment. The NAEPAA authorizes support for assessments of the academic achievement of students across the United States. Although authorities in the acts expired in FY2008, funding has continued through annual appropriations legislation. In FY2023, $734 million was appropriated to support IES' activities.