Classtime Awarded Digital Promise’s Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 Product Certification
August 8, 2025 – Classtime, a leading K-12 solution that builds Strategic Thinking in Math, ELA, and Science, has earned the Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 product certification from Digital Promise. This nationally recognized certification provides school and district leaders with a trusted signal that Classtime’s design is grounded in learning science and aligned to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence standards.
Classtime submitted evidence demonstrating how its design is informed by research on how students learn, including its theory of change centered around standards alignment, real-time feedback, and question types proven to drive higher-order thinking. The submission met the criteria for ESSA Tier 4, affirming Classtime’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based design.
“Classtime was designed to shape learners into critical thinkers, build test readiness, and raise student achievement,” said Valentin Ruest, CEO US & Co-Founder of Classtime. “We’re honored to receive this certification from Digital Promise and proud to be recognized for the research-based foundation that powers our solution.”
Classtime’s Strategic Thinking programs for Math, ELA, and Science are tailored to state standards and assessment frameworks. Each question is designed to mirror the cognitive rigor of summative assessments and provide actionable data that helps educators provide more targeted instruction.
“Digital Promise is uniquely positioned to actively guide educators and developers to build upon our research-informed insights about how people learn with emerging technology tools and products,” said Dr. Pati Ruiz, Senior Director of Edtech and Emerging Technologies at Digital Promise. “Our Research-Based Design product certification recognizes the edtech products that incorporate research about learning and technology integration into their design and development. Congratulations to Classtime for demonstrating that research informs product design!”
With this certification, Classtime joins a select group of products recognized for their thoughtful use of learning science.
“There are more than 8,000 products used in K-12 schools, and fewer than 1 percent have earned this recognition,” said Rachel Schechter, PhD, Learning Experience Design (LXD) Research, who helped prepare the application. Through product certifications, District leaders and educators can rely on product certifications to make more informed decisions when selecting instructional tools that directly support student growth.
About Classtime
Classtime is a K-12 instructional solution for Math, ELA, and Science, trusted by over 430,000 educators to build strategic thinking through standards-aligned, real-time assessments. Designed to reflect the rigor of state testing, Classtime helps educators identify learning gaps, target instruction, and accelerate academic success. Learn more at classtime.com. To learn more about Classtime’s research and impact, visit https://www.classtime.com/en/research-and-impact.
About Digital Promise
Digital Promise is a nonprofit organization that builds powerful networks and takes on grand challenges by working at the intersection of researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators. Our vision is that all people, at every stage of their lives, have access to learning experiences that help them acquire the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and continuously learn in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit digitalpromise.org and follow @digitalpromise.
About LXD Research
Learning Experience Design (LXD) Research is an independent evaluation and research firm within Charles River Media focusing on educational programs. LXD Research specializes in research communication, efficacy study validation, and the design and execution of ESSA-aligned research studies. Visit www.LXDResearch.com.