SplashLearn has been independently validated as a learning platform that improves math outcomes in elementary classrooms. Following a rigorous study conducted during the 2023–24 school year, the program earned a significant recognition: ESSA Level III: Promising Evidence certification. This designation makes SplashLearn eligible for use with ESSA-aligned federal funding and reinforces its value as an evidence-based intervention for schools. It is part of a broader set of trusted edtech certifications that help administrators identify research-backed solutions.
What Does ESSA Certification Mean?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides a framework for schools to identify and invest in effective educational tools. SplashLearn has achieved:
- ESSA Level IV (Demonstrating Rationale) in 2024 – recognizing its logic model and alignment with learning science
- ESSA Level III (Promising Evidence) in 2025 – based on measurable student outcomes in classroom settings
This progression reflects a deliberate, multi-phase research approach. Level IV validated SplashLearn’s theoretical design. Level III confirms its real-world impact on student achievement. This progression from rationale to results gives administrators confidence that SplashLearn is both research-informed and field-tested.
Want to explore how SplashLearn aligns with your district’s ESSA goals?
A Closer Look at How the Research Was Conducted
To meet the standards for ESSA Level III: Promising Evidence, SplashLearn partnered with Instructure and the International Centre for EdTech Impact (ICEIE) to carry out a third-party study during the 2023–24 academic year. The study was supported by the Jacobs Foundation and designed specifically to align with ESSA certification requirements.
Study Overview
- The study used a correlational design, as required for ESSA tier 3 certification
- Researchers analyzed de-identified data from students in Grades K–5 across a public school district in North Carolina
- Baseline and final mastery scores were measured using SplashLearn’s in-platform assessment
- Key usage metrics included problems solved per week, time on task, and engagement duration
What the Research Found
The analysis showed that students who solved more math problems per week using SplashLearn achieved higher final mastery scores, particularly in Grades K-4. These relationships remained statistically significant even after controlling for students’ baseline mastery levels.
The study also found that problem-solving frequency was a more consistent predictor of learning outcomes than overall time spent on the platform.
Interested in how this research could support your funding or implementation strategy?
EduEvidence Certification for Effectiveness
SplashLearn has also earned the Certification for Effectiveness from the International Certification of Evidence of Impact in Education (ICEIE) through its EduEvidence framework. This certification assesses educational solutions across five core dimensions: Efficacy, Effectiveness, Equity, Ethics, and Environment. This certification signals to school leaders that SplashLearn meets global standards of educational impact, ethics, and quality.
This certification signals to school leaders that SplashLearn meets global standards of educational impact, ethics, and quality.
What Does This Mean for Your School or District?
SplashLearn is built to make teaching easier and learning joyful. It helps educators save time, keeps students engaged, and now, research shows it also drives real improvement in math outcomes. It’s easy to roll out across classrooms and meets all major student data privacy standards, including COPPA, FERPA, and CSPC. Here are some key features teachers and administrators rely on:
- Standards-aligned content from Pre-K to Grade 5
- Adaptive practice and formative assessments
- Real-time dashboards to track individual and class progress
- Seamless sync with Google and Clever
- Meets DPA requirements for various districts
Check here to see if your district is listed or how to sign an agreement with us.
SplashLearn is more than just engaging practice; it’s a research-backed solution that works. Whether you’re looking to boost core instruction, support intervention, or simply make math more joyful, SplashLearn fits right into your classroom or district.
And now, with ESSA Level III certification, you can trust that it’s not just fun for students, it’s proven to drive real learning outcomes.
