IEA is an international cooperative of national research institutions, government research agencies, scholars, and analysts working to evaluate, understand, and improve education worldwide. They are a nonprofit and independent organization. More than 60 countries are actively involved in the IEA network, and over 100 education systems participate in their studies.

Since 1958, IEA has measured students' mastery of subjects such as mathematics, science, and reading; conducted assessments on civic and citizenship education; investigated students' computer and information literacy; and researched early childhood and teacher education. They aim to help their members understand effective practices in education and develop evidence-based policies to improve education. Their comparative studies of education systems across the world enable better understanding of the policies and practices that foster educational progress, and play a critical role in helping nations build their own knowledge and research capacity.

By linking research, policy, and practice, and measuring how well their education systems are preparing children for the future, their association contributes toward a more educated world.