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Research That Proves What Works in K–8

Our programs combine rigorous research, classroom practice, and large-scale data to help educators improve student outcomes and close learning gaps.
Overview

Research and Efficacy at Curriculum Associates

Developed and reviewed by experts with deep subject matter knowledge, the i-Ready portfolio spans print and digital resources, from assessment to core curricula, supplemental and intervention programs, and multilingual and personalized learning.

Program development starts with an extensive research base and is followed by a continuous cycle of research, review, and enhancement. The result is a suite of programs proven to help students in their journey to grade-level proficiency and beyond. 

  • ESSA-aligned literacy and mathematics evidence
  • Proven gains on state assessments
  • Proven growth across student groups
  • Independently validated by third-party research from respected, national research organizations such as the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO), Johns Hopkins University Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE), and the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, as well as reviews by Evidence for ESSA and What Works Clearinghouse.
i-Ready Efficacy

Clear Evidence from Real Classroom Practice

i-Ready Personalized Instruction has been rigorously studied at scale. The evidence base includes large quasi-experimental studies, longitudinal studies, third-party research, and independent external review. Across those studies, the pattern is consistent: 

When i-Ready Personalized Instruction is used as recommended, students show stronger reading and mathematics outcomes than comparable peers who do not use it or do not use it as recommended. 

Explore i-Ready Evidence
Designed for impact. Proven to deliver in states across the US. 
Read the Study
Efficacy Research by Subject
Explore efficacy studies showing how programs in the i-Ready portfolio support measurable gains across grade levels and student groups.

View Mathematics Research

View Reading Research

More Research Topics

Foundational Research for Teacher-Led Growth

Built on an extensive research base, our programs equip teachers to help students of all levels and backgrounds achieve their greatest possible gains. 

The State of Student Learning in the US

Annual analysis of millions of students provides a national view of achievement, growth, and opportunity gaps in Grades K–8 literacy and mathematics. Read the latest report.

Research on Unfinished Learning

Learn about the impact of unfinished learning and where to focus your efforts.

Data-Driven Instruction

Research connects to instruction, helping educators use data, assessments, and materials to improve outcomes in real classrooms. 

A Research-Based Recovery Metric

Introduced in the 2018–2019 school year to provide an aspirational or “stretch” growth goal for students at any level, Stretch Growth® is a novel approach to measuring student progress to proficiency and beyond. We have built a growing body of evidence that shares context on Stretch Growth goal setting on students and their learning over time.

i-Ready Inform Aligns with Your State Assessment

Explore how i-Ready Inform (formerly i-Ready Diagnostic) scores relate to scores on your state’s summative assessments. Each report provides key data—such as sample demographics, correlations, and linked cut scores—that provide validity evidence for the use of i-Ready Inform (formerly i-Ready Diagnostic) in your state.

Curriculum Associates Research Advisory Committee

Established in 2018, this group is composed of nationally recognized external experts in education research. They are tasked with holding Curriculum Associates’ research design, analysis, and interpretation to the highest of industry standards and integrity. 

Research drives everything we do—from national insights to classroom impact—to improve outcomes for all students.
Explore Our Portfolio
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Why Classroom Teachers Need National Education Research ...

Discover how national education research like the State of Student Learning empowers teachers to understa...

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Discover how integrating both foundational reading skills and knowledge building can address declining li...

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Why the “How” May Be as Important as the “What” When It ...

Discover the critical role of implementation fidelity in education and how the execution of instructional...