The objective of this paper is to study the Institute for Educational Research (IPE) of the Education Department in Rio de Janeiro in the 1930s. Having the support of the mayor, Pedro Ernesto, Anisio Teixeira developed a politics for the reformulation in education, in Rio de Janeiro, based on a reference point and initiatives presented by the IPE. During this period, it was viable for many intellectuals to debate the education as means for national reconstruction. Schooling was destined for a small number of people in society, characterized by the elite members, which made it difficult for the democratic process desired by many Brazilians at the time. IPE began its activities in 1933 with the objective of investigating and building of teachers work such as programs, methods and educational process. A new direction was taken in November 1937 when Getulio Vargas officialized a new constitution installed in the new state. Some specific indicators turn IPE into an interesting object of study, especially considering the political context that maintained a loyalty to the initial project; the success of administrators after 1935, at the end of Anisio Teixeira s term, and the relations between his experience and rise of the Institute of National Research in Education (Inep) in 1937. Through documents that compose the history of the above mentioned institute, one may note a more detailed vision of its history as a guideline for the Reform of Public Instruction of the old Federal District, and later as the focus for specific educational projects up to 1940, the year in which the changes in denomination and working policies happened.