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.
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 →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 (LXD Research survey, 2025) — 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.
- ESSA Tier IV: Demonstrates a Rationale(documentation and a logic model, in 6–8 weeks)
- ESSA Tier III: Promising Evidence(correlational studies, often using data you already have)
- ESSA Tier II: Moderate Evidence(quasi-experimental studies with a matched comparison group)
- ESSA Tier I: Strong Evidence(randomized studies, the highest level of evidence)
Already have research that is scattered or out of date? Our Research Review & Reframe starts under $5,000.
Download Our Services Brochure →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. Already have a study? Start with an ESSA Evidence Review → instead.
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 and EduEvidence, and show you how to list your badges on ISTE’s EdTech Index (free). You receive professionally formatted reports, certification badges, and marketing materials ready to use.
Book Your Free Conversation →
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, so you meet compliance requirements and build credibility from the start.
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.
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.
The numbers behind the credibility.
Independent validation requires a firm with deep experience in what reviewers, states, and educators actually look for.
Including top-tier ESSA studies (Tiers I and II) — the level of evidence that drives state approvals and district adoption.
Students in classrooms across all 50 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.
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.”
We go where the research is.
We bring our clients’ evidence stories to practitioners and researchers across the US and abroad — presenting at national and international conferences, collaborating with district partners, and connecting the edtech community with the rigorous research behind the tools they use. Here’s a look at LXD Research out in the world.
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
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 by email or via LinkedIn.
Get updates about our work and news about evidence in the field, by newsletter or on LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the Newsletter Follow Us on LinkedIn