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.
As Arpit Jain, CEO of SplashLearn, noted:
“At SplashLearn, we believe joyful learning should also be effective. These milestones reaffirm our commitment to helping children build strong math foundations through research-backed solutions that schools and families can trust.”
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?
How the Research Was Conducted: A Closer Look at the ESSA Level III Study
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.
Why It Meets ESSA Level III
This study satisfies ESSA Level III requirements by demonstrating:
- A proper correlational design
- Use of statistical controls to reduce bias
- Evidence of statistically significant, positive academic outcomes for students who used the program more actively
Interested in how this research could support your funding or implementation strategy?
EduEvidence Certification Adds Another Layer of Validation
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
- Environment
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 designed for classrooms and built for district priorities like data transparency, ease of implementation, and instructional flexibility.
Key features for school and district success:
- 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.
Whether used for core instruction, intervention, or enrichment, SplashLearn is flexible to implement across classrooms and schools. SplashLearn combines engaging math practice with real results — and now, it’s backed by independent research that educators can trust.
