The evidence educators trust
LXD Research is an independent research firm that conducts the efficacy studies and documentation EdTech products need for ESSA certification and state approvals. 75% of educators trust educational tools more when they’re scientifically validated — but they don’t trust company marketing. They trust independent, third-party research conducted in classrooms like theirs. We help EdTech companies build that credibility, meet state funding requirements, and earn the validation that opens doors.
You’ve built something that helps students learn. Now you need the proof educators trust.
84% of educators say research evidence is crucial when selecting tools — but most assume that research is esoteric and removed from real teaching. State procurement offices require ESSA certification. Over 40 states tie funding access to evidence documentation. LXD Research specializes in producing the kind of rigorous, classroom-grounded validation that satisfies compliance requirements and builds genuine credibility with the educators who influence adoption decisions.
We have a pathway that fits your timeline and budget.
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 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 Efficacy Studies
Ready for top-tier evidence? We design and execute rigorous studies aligned with Evidence for ESSA standards — the national gold standard. Our track record speaks for itself: 17 approved ESSA Tier I–III studies and counting.
Add-On Services
Enhance any package with research validation, user research, assessment validation, digital footprint services, or marketing activation to amplify your evidence story.
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.
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.
Strategic Planning
We map out your research strategy, identify available data sources, and create a timeline that works for your business needs.
Expert Execution
Our team handles everything: study design, district partnerships (if needed), data analysis, and report writing. You stay informed without being overwhelmed.
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.
Schedule Your Discovery Call →
EdTech companies at every stage.
Early-Stage Startups
You’re being filtered out of RFPs because you lack ESSA certification. Districts require evidence documentation to access state funding, and without it your product doesn’t make the list. We help you build your evidence base affordably — starting at $2,500 — so you meet compliance requirements and build credibility from the start.
Growth-Stage Companies
You’re scaling, and state approval lists require rigorous, independently validated research. Districts are increasingly tying funding to evidence tiers, and educator trust depends on studies conducted in authentic classroom settings. We’ve partnered with 50+ institutions through this process, including 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 have deep experience with what reviewers look for.
The numbers behind the credibility.
Independent validation requires a firm with deep experience in what reviewers, states, and educators actually look for.
The most from any independent research firm, including top-tier ESSA studies (Tiers I and II) — the level of evidence that drives state approvals and district adoption.
Real students in real classrooms across 15 states, from PreK through higher education. The kind of authentic implementation contexts that educators recognize and trust.
Every study we conduct is published on open-access platforms like ERIC and ResearchGate. Your evidence is visible, verifiable, and valuable.
Research conducted across Title I schools, ELL populations, rural and urban districts, suburban schools, and special education settings — so educators can find evidence from contexts that look like theirs.
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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, Founder
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
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 LinkedIn or the form below.