The Research and Efficacy at Newsela report brings together findings from multiple third-party studies, validity analyses, and ESSA-aligned research to demonstrate how Newsela supports measurable student growth in literacy and content learning.
Designed for district and school leaders, this overview helps you quickly understand the strength of the research base behind Newsela, how studies were conducted, and what outcomes matter most when evaluating instructional materials. Use this resource to support procurement decisions, ESSA justification, and stakeholder communication.
Key Findings
Across multiple studies and districts:
- Newsela programs meet ESSA Tier II and Tier III evidence standards, including quasi-experimental and correlational designs
- Consistent Newsela use is associated with statistically significant gains in ELA achievement
- Students of color and historically underserved groups experience comparable or greater gains
- Higher engagement with Newsela quizzes and texts predicts stronger standardized assessment performance
Who Should Use This Resource?
This resource is designed for:
- District assessment and curriculum leaders
- School and district administrators
- Research and evaluation teams
- Purchasing and ESSA compliance committees
Products Overview
