Validating EdTech Excellence: ReadWorks and the Five Core Qualities (Plus an Extra!)

In the ever-expanding landscape of educational technology, it’s crucial for educators to discern which tools truly deliver on their promises. Recently, Richard Culatta from ISTE delivered a keynote at #IsteLive that several top leaders including Digital Promise in edtech efficacy review work outlined five quality indicators that define a reliable and effective educational app. We are proud to announce that ReadWorks not only meets but excels in each of these areas, cementing our place among the top credible edtech organizations on EdSurge 's Index.

1. Safe

At ReadWorks, we prioritize the safety and privacy of our users above all else. Our commitment to protecting the privacy of both educators and students is unwavering. Here’s how we ensure safety:

• Data Privacy: We do not collect geolocation, biometric, health, or behavioral data. The only student information we collect is a student’s first name provided by the educator or guardian in the digital classroom to help parents, guardians, and educators track student progress.
• Privacy Standards: ReadWorks has earned a Common Sense Privacy Rating, reflecting our dedication to maintaining the highest privacy standards. For detailed information, you can read our privacy statement.

2. Evidence-Based

The efficacy of our products is grounded in rigorous, evidence-based research. Here’s why ReadWorks stands out:

• ESSA Compliance: ReadWorks is one of only 36 of the 100 most-used edtech tools that meet the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tier 3 requirements, according to LearnPlatform by Instructure 's 2024 EdTech Evidence Report.
• Research-Based Design: We have earned prestigious Research-Based Design product certifications from Digital Promise. Our products are developed using insights from the National Reading Panel, the RAND Reading Study Group, and the latest research on the science of reading. For more information, visit our research page.

3. Inclusive

Inclusivity and accessibility are at the core of ReadWorks’ mission. Here’s how we ensure every learner can benefit:

• Free Access: ReadWorks is 100 percent free, removing financial barriers to access.
• Accessibility: Our site is fully functional using only a keyboard and supports assistive technologies like audio capabilities, speech recognition software, and screen readers. For more details, see our accessibility statement.
• Diverse Content: Our extensive library includes diverse and inclusive content, catering to the needs of all students. Please see our statement on the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to our organization and the teachers and students that we serve.?

4. Usable

Ease of use is a hallmark of ReadWorks, as consistently highlighted by our teacher users. We have received the Learner Variability Certification from Digital Promise, underscoring our commitment to usability and adaptability. For more details, see our accessibility statement.

5. Interoperable

Integration with other technologies is essential in today’s digital learning environments. Here’s how ReadWorks ensures interoperability:

• Google Integration: We have partnered with Google for Education to enable single sign-on capabilities for Google users. Additionally, ReadWorks is available as a Google Classroom add-on, allowing teachers to search, assign, and review student performance data seamlessly within Google Classroom.
• Future Partnerships: As a nonprofit with a small team, we hope to be able to soon prioritize the application of certifications and partnerships that enhance interoperability to best support teachers and students.?

6. Access

ReadWorks is a unique entity in the edtech space, distinguished by its mission-first focus as a nonprofit organization. To underscore this uniqueness, we have added a sixth quality: Access. At ReadWorks, our mission is to deliver high-quality resources without any barriers related to cost. Our resources are 100 percent free, making us the only edtech platform that provides completely free, research-backed, high-quality educational materials. ReadWorks is dedicated to providing a safe, evidence-based, inclusive, usable, and interoperable platform for educators and students. These qualities not only make us a trustworthy edtech tool but also a valuable partner in the journey of educational excellence.

Explore our free resources, and join us in transforming reading education for all students.

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