In educational technology, having a great idea is just the beginning; the real challenge lies in proving it works. That’s where ESSA Tier 4 evidence comes in—a foundational level that every EdTech company should understand. But what is Tier 4 evidence, exactly, and why does it matter so much? Let’s break it down.
Understanding ESSA Tier 4 Evidence
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) sets out four levels of evidence for educational tools and practices. (New to ESSA, check out this intro blog!) Tier 4, the foundational level, is all about the theoretical basis behind a product—essentially, the research and reasoning that show why it should work.
At its core, Tier 4 evidence asks product designers to do three key things:
- Explain the strategies and activities they’re using to support teaching and learning.
- Ground these approaches in solid research.
- Demonstrate how the product’s design should improve student outcomes
The Components of Strong Tier 4 Evidence
1. Clear Explanation of Strategies and Activities
Start by outlining how your product is designed to work. This includes:
- The specific teaching or learning strategies in play
- The activities students or teachers will engage in when using the product
- How these strategies and activities align with established educational theories
- What does success look like
2. Alignment with Empirical Research
A strong foundation is key, and that means grounding your product in solid research. This involves:
- Citing relevant studies that support your product’s approach
- Showing how your product aligns with recognized best practices in education
- Demonstrating a clear understanding of the current landscape in your area of education
3. Theory of Action for Improving Student Outcomes
It’s essential to explain how your product will lead to better student outcomes. This involves:
- Mapping a logical pathway from product use to measurable improvements
- Specifying the outcomes you’re expecting (e.g., higher reading comprehension, better math skills)
- Considering other factors that might influence these results along the way
If you are an educator, this video is also for you! Then, we recommend heading over to this article about how to evaluate a product’s logic model. The rest of this article are for the product designers creating the logic models.
Why Tier 4 Evidence Matters
You might be wondering, “If my product already has effectiveness studies, why bother with Tier 4 evidence?” I am glad you asked. Here’s why it’s so important:
- It’s Your Product’s Recipe for Success: Tier 4 documentation spells out how your product should be implemented and what success should look like. This is invaluable for both you and your users.
- It Guides Implementation Monitoring: A clear theory of action lets you track how your product is being used and see if it’s being implemented the way you intended.
- It Informs Effectiveness Measurement: When you know the outcomes you expect—and why—you can design stronger effectiveness studies down the road.
- It’s the Foundation for Higher Tiers: As you move towards more rigorous studies (Tiers 3, 2, and 1), your Tier 4 evidence provides the theoretical foundation for your research questions.
Starting Your Evidence Journey with Tier 4
If you’re just starting out on your evidence journey, Tier 4 is the perfect place to start. Here’s what you should include:
- A clear theory of action for your product
- Relevant research that supports your approach
- Clear explanation of strategies and activities
- Defined outcomes and how you’ll measure them
- A plan for future effectiveness studies
Remember, reaching higher tiers of evidence starts with a strong foundation. Tier 4 documentation is the cornerstone of your success, setting you up for impactful, evidence-backed growth.
Validating Your Tier 4 Documentation
There are multiple ways to validate and demonstrate your product’s research base. Our work with Learning A-Z highlights the research base for two digital-first products, Foundations A-Z and Writing A-Z. Follow the links below to see Writing A-Z’s Tier 4 digital footprint.
- Earned the Digital Promise’s Research-Based Design Certification, are
- Featured on the EdSurge Product Index
- Approved and listed on ERIC.ed.gov
- Posted on Learn Platform
- Listed on the Global Edtech Evidence List, with certification from the International Certification of Evidence in Education
- Listed on Dr. Rachel Schechter’s www.ResearchGate.net profile
Let Us Carry You Up The Learning Curve
In the competitive world of EdTech, having strong Tier 4 evidence sets you apart. It shows that you’ve done your homework, that your product is grounded in research, and that you have a clear vision for how it will improve student outcomes. Remember, in EdTech, it’s not just about having a great product—it’s about proving it. And that proof starts with Tier 4.
Ready to strengthen your Tier 4 evidence? Our team of experts can guide you through the process, helping you build a solid foundation for your product’s efficacy journey. Set up a call to learn more about how we can support your ESSA evidence needs.