Classtime Earns Digital Promise’s Evidence-Based EdTech: ESSA Tier 3 Certification
January 28, 2026 – Classtime, a leading K-12 solution that builds Strategic Thinking in Math, ELA, and Science, has earned the Evidence-Based Edtech: ESSA Tier 3 product certification from Digital Promise. This prestigious certification signals to district leaders and educators that Classtime has demonstrated efficacy through a well-designed study, joining an exclusive group of only about a dozen edtech providers to achieve this level of verification.
The Evidence-Based Edtech: ESSA Tier 3 certification verifies that a product has at least one well-designed education research study—such as a correlational or quasi-experimental study—that shows a statistically significant positive effect on student outcomes. This certification goes beyond a theoretical basis for design (Tier 4) to provide empirical proof that the tool effectively accelerates learning in real-world classrooms.
“Classtime was built to shape learners into critical thinkers, and this Tier 3 certification provides the data to back that up,” said Valentin Ruest, CEO US & Co-Founder of Classtime. “Moving from Tier 4 to Tier 3 is a major milestone. It validates that our focus on Strategic Thinking isn’t just a concept—it’s a proven method that significantly boosts test readiness and achievement for students who need it most. We look forward to building on this success with our soon-to-be-released Tier 2 study.”
Study Highlights: Double the Gains in Math Achievement
The certification is based on a 2022-2023 efficacy study conducted by LXD Research in a California school district serving a high-need population (91% Hispanic, 89% Socioeconomically Disadvantaged). The study examined the impact of Classtime’s tech-enhanced formative assessments on student performance in Grades 3–6.
Key insights from the study include:
– 2x Assessment Gains: Students with high usage of Classtime demonstrated over double the gains on CAASPP state assessments compared to their peers who did not use the program.
– Year-Over-Year Growth: Classtime students outperformed non-Classtime students in year-over-year growth and end-of-year proficiency rates.
– Effective for All Grades: Significant improvements were observed across all grade levels studied, with 3rd and 4th graders showing particularly large gains compared to the control group.
“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 achievement, Classtime distinguishes itself in a crowded market. While thousands of edtech tools exist, Classtime is now one of only a handful of providers to meet the rigorous ESSA Tier 3 standards for evidence.
“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, educators can narrow their options as they select products based on research about learning before trying them out in their classrooms.”
About Classtime
Classtime is a K-12 instructional solution for Math, ELA, and Science, trusted by 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.
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.
Press Contact: Classtime Inc. support@classtime.com 3463 State Street, Suite 250 Santa Barbara, CA 93105