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LXD Research — Evidence That Opens Markets

You need third-party research to win.
We make it happen.

Districts demand evidence. States grade your research. RFPs require ESSA certification. LXD Research gets EdTech companies the validated studies they need — efficiently, affordably, and with a track record no other firm can match.

65%
of reading studies approved by Evidence for ESSA in the last 5 years
72%
of ESSA Tier III & IV certifications nationwide
100%
of our studies include EduEvidence international certification
Trusted by EdTech leaders
Edpuzzle 95 Percent Group IMSE Savvas Grammarly Heggerty Scholastic

You’ve built something that helps students learn. Now you need the proof to match.

In today’s education market, districts want evidence. State procurement offices demand it. RFPs require ESSA certification. LXD Research specializes in getting EdTech companies the research validation they need — whether that means meeting district requirements, getting on state approval lists, or differentiating your product from competitors who already have badges on their site.

We have a pathway that fits your timeline and budget.

Foundation

Foundation Services

Build your evidence base with self-directed templates and expert review, or get quick validation of existing research. Perfect for startups and early-stage companies needing to check the “evidence-based” box.

Core

Core Certification Packages

Get ESSA Tier IV certification in 4–8 weeks. Our most popular option combines strategic planning with a light-lift efficacy study — everything you need to satisfy RFP requirements and stand out in the marketplace.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive Efficacy Studies

Ready for ESSA Tier II or III? We design and execute rigorous studies that get you on Evidence for ESSA — the national gold standard. Our track record speaks for itself: 17 approved studies and counting.

Add-Ons

Add-On Services

Enhance any package with research validation, user research, assessment validation, digital footprint services, or marketing activation to amplify your evidence story.

Learn More About Our Services →

We make evidence-building straightforward.

Whether you’re pursuing your first certification or your third ESSA approval, we’ve refined the process to be as efficient as possible.

1

Discovery Call

We learn about your product, your evidence needs, and your goals. No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest guidance on the best path forward.

2

Strategic Planning

We map out your research strategy, identify available data sources, and create a timeline that works for your business needs.

3

Expert Execution

Our team handles everything: study design, district partnerships (if needed), data analysis, and report writing. You stay informed without being overwhelmed.

4

Certification & Beyond

We submit to Evidence for ESSA, EduEvidence, and other platforms. You receive professionally formatted reports, certification badges, and marketing materials ready to use.

Timeline: Entry-level certifications in 4–6 weeks. Comprehensive studies in 6–12 months depending on scope.

Schedule Your Discovery Call →

EdTech companies at every stage.

🚀

Early-Stage Startups

You’re losing deals because you don’t have ESSA certification. RFPs are rejecting you. Competitors with evidence badges are winning. We get you credentialed affordably — starting at $1,600 — so you can compete.

📈

Growth-Stage Companies

You’re scaling, and you need stronger evidence to access larger markets. State approval lists require rigorous research. We’ve helped 49 companies navigate this successfully, including major players like 95 Percent Group, Grammarly, and Heggerty.

🏛

Established EdTech Leaders

You want ESSA Tier I or II — the highest levels of evidence. You need research that stands up to academic scrutiny and regulatory review. With 17 Evidence for ESSA approvals, we know exactly what reviewers want.

What our clients have in common: They’re committed to creating products that genuinely help students learn. They understand that evidence isn’t just a marketing checkbox — it’s validation that their work makes a measurable difference. And they want a research partner who guarantees value, even when results are complex.
Find Your Service Pathway →

The numbers that matter.

We don’t just promise results — we deliver them. Here’s what sets us apart.

17
Evidence for ESSA Approvals

The most from any research firm. From ESSA Tier I (Strong) to Tier IV (Demonstrates a Rationale), we know how to get your study approved.

35K+
Students Studied

Real students in real classrooms across 15 states, from PreK through higher education. Authentic implementation, not controlled lab conditions.

177+
Published Reports

Every study we conduct is published on open-access platforms like ERIC and ResearchGate. Your evidence is visible, verifiable, and valuable.

49
Clients Served

From Series A startups to publicly-traded companies, from literacy programs to math curricula to assessment tools. If it’s EdTech, we’ve researched it.

Market Position
65%
of reading studies approved by Evidence for ESSA in the last 5 years
72%
of ESSA Tier III & IV certifications nationwide
100%
of our studies come with EduEvidence international certification

Don’t just take our word for it.

“LXD Research has provided us invaluable consultation surrounding research strategy, guiding the development of evidence-informed digital products, and communicating our evidence base to educators. Their key insights and compelling data stories help build momentum in marketing and sales, as well as inform product development.”
Laura Stewart
Chief Academic Officer, 95 Percent Group · Former Chief Innovation Officer, The Reading League
“Dr. Schechter and her team have been incredible partners in supporting our product teams in elevating research-based practices. LXD conducted a rigorous study on our products, strengthening our evidence base and resulting in increased student achievement and customer confidence.”
Katie Ronstadt
Senior Director of Learning Design, Zaner-Bloser
“Rachel was a great research partner! She was uniquely able to support me as an internal researcher at a start-up with some third-party research. The project did not break the bank and provided valuable and most importantly, actionable, insights for me to translate to our team.”
Alex Miller
VP of Research, Hatch Early Learning
“Rachel served as a subject matter expert for ISTE’s Course of Mind project, helping us craft criteria — grounded in the learning sciences — for evaluating the quality of edtech products. Her multi-faceted background really was an asset.”
Brandon Olszewski, PhD
Director of Research, International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE)

Research excellence, educational impact.

LXD Research was founded on a simple belief: educators deserve the best tools backed by the best evidence. Every product claim should be verifiable. Every district investment should be informed by rigorous research.

Dr. Rachel Schechter

Dr. Rachel Schechter, Founder

Ph.D. in Child Development, Tufts University · M.Ed., Harvard University
Former VP of Learning Sciences, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Former Director of Research, Lexia Learning

Dr. Schechter leads a team of Ph.D. researchers, learning scientists, instructional designers, and former teachers. The team has served as educators, district administrators, product developers, and academic researchers — giving LXD Research unique insight into what makes educational tools truly effective.

Our Partnerships

ISTE International Society for Technology in Education
ICEIE International Centre for EdTech Impact Evaluation (formerly WiKIT)
2025 EdTech Digest Finalist — Service Setting a Trend
Recognition
2025 EdTech Digest Finalist “Service Setting a Trend”

Ready to build your evidence base?

Whether you’re pursuing your first ESSA badge or your fifth approval, we’re here to help. Start with a free 30-minute consultation — no obligation, no pressure, just honest guidance on the best path forward for your product and budget.

We believe that high-quality research strengthens the entire ecosystem — from product teams to classrooms. We’re happy to connect via the form or LinkedIn.

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