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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.

30 minutes with Dr. Rachel Schechter. No obligation.

LXD Research certification badges

Will your success stories pass state review?

Over 40 states require ESSA documentation for access to state funding. You may already have a case study, a district result, or a white paper that shows your product works. Often it is one step away from research a state will accept. The Evidence Scorecard tells you where each piece stands today and what it would take to reach the next level, before a state reviewer tells you instead.

Submit up to five studies for one product and get a written scorecard, plus a 60-minute strategy call with Dr. Schechter.

Get Your Evidence Scorecard — $500
Where your evidence stands today
What states will and won’t accept
The gap to the next ESSA level
A prioritized list of next steps
Written scorecard + 60-min call · Sessions begin within a week

Dozens of products carry our badges.

Every pill below represents a real edtech product that has earned an evidence certification — with LXD Research conducting or supporting the study. Hover to pause. Visit our Published Studies page to explore the full portfolio.

Browse all certified products →
95 Percent Group — 95 Phonics Core StrongModerateTier 4
Edpuzzle ESSA IPromisingTier 4Silver
EPS Learning — SPIRE ESSA I
Grammarly ESSA IITier 4
Heggerty ESSA IIIModerate
EBLI ESSA IIITier 4Silver
Classtime ELA ESSA IVTier 3Tier 4
Kide Science ESSA IIIBronze
Braintrust Tutors ESSA III
Banzai ESSA IV
Zaner-Bloser Kickstart PromisingTier 4
Coursemojo ModerateTier 4
Engage2Learn eGrowe ModeratePromising
Accelerate Learning STEMScopes Promising
EPS Learning — SPIRE Up ESSA III
EPS Reading Accelerator ESSA IV
Multisyllable Routine Cards ESSA IIITier 4
Brainspring Talewinds™ Bronze
95 Phonics Lesson Library Moderate
95 Percent Group — 95 Phonics Core StrongModerateTier 4
Edpuzzle ESSA IPromisingTier 4Silver
EPS Learning — SPIRE ESSA I
Grammarly ESSA IITier 4
Heggerty ESSA IIIModerate
EBLI ESSA IIITier 4Silver
Classtime ELA ESSA IVTier 3Tier 4
Kide Science ESSA IIIBronze
Braintrust Tutors ESSA III
Banzai ESSA IV
Zaner-Bloser Kickstart PromisingTier 4
Coursemojo ModerateTier 4
Engage2Learn eGrowe ModeratePromising
Accelerate Learning STEMScopes Promising
EPS Learning — SPIRE Up ESSA III
EPS Reading Accelerator ESSA IV
Multisyllable Routine Cards ESSA IIITier 4
Brainspring Talewinds™ Bronze
95 Phonics Lesson Library Moderate

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.

Download Our Services Brochure →
Not sure where you should start? Book a meeting with Dr. Rachel this month →

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. Already have a study? Start with a $500 Evidence Scorecard → instead.

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 6–8 weeks. Comprehensive studies in 6–18 months depending on scope.

Book Your Free Conversation →

EdTech companies at every stage.

Early-stage startup team

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, so you meet compliance requirements and build credibility from the start.

Growth-stage company team

Growth-Stage Companies

You’re scaling, and you already have schools and districts using your product. What you need now is an expert to design a study that reaches the top-tier evidence goals you’re aiming for. State approval lists require rigorous, independently validated research, and educators trust studies conducted in real classrooms. We design and run studies built to hold up under review.

LXD Research with Edpuzzle at ISTE 2026

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 25+ Evidence for ESSA approvals, we have deep experience with what reviewers look for.

What our clients have in common: They understand that educators don’t inherently distrust research — they distrust research disconnected from their reality. Our clients want studies conducted in real classrooms, with real teachers, producing results that educators recognize as relevant to their own context. That’s how you move from marketing claims to genuine trust.
Find Your Service Pathway →

The numbers behind the credibility.

Independent validation requires a firm with deep experience in what reviewers, states, and educators actually look for.

25+
Evidence for ESSA Approvals

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.

1M+
Students Studied

Students in classrooms across all 50 states, from PreK through higher education. The kind of authentic implementation contexts that educators recognize and trust.

100+
Published Reports

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

50+
Institution Partnerships

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.”
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

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.

LXD Research is led by Dr. Rachel Schechter and research directors Dr. Paul Chase and Dr. Sofia Jimenez, supported by a team of Ph.D. researchers, learning scientists, instructional designers, and former teachers — giving LXD Research unique insight into what makes educational tools truly effective.

Our Partnerships

EdTech Digest Trendsetter Awards
Recognition
EdTech Digest Trendsetter Awards Person Setting a Trend, 2023 — Rachel Schechter, Ph.D. Service Setting a Trend, 2025 — LXD Research

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 also happy to connect via LinkedIn.

Book a Free Conversation

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