All resources Efficacy Study & Validity Reports

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement: A study of Newsela’s Checks for Understanding (CFUs)

December 19, 2025

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement

This study of ~40,000 students in Grades 3–8 evaluates the impact of Newsela's Checks for Understanding (CFUs) on ELA achievement. Discover why the quality of engagement is the primary driver of student performance on MAP Growth assessments.

Key Findings: The CFU Boost

+2.5 Points

Regular usage of CFUs is associated with a percentile point boost to ELA achievement, accounting for overall platform use.

+3.5 Points

The advantage shown by Deep Learners who engaged with questions consistently versus shallow or sporadic use.

1st Try Success

Students who answered correctly on the first attempt saw significantly better ELA outcomes than those needing multiple tries.

Scaffolded Growth

CFUs function as a scaffold for comprehension monitoring, requiring students to pause and evaluate their own understanding.

Who Should Use This Study?

District Admins • Literacy Leaders • Curriculum Directors • Research & Evaluation Teams

All Resources Efficacy Study & Validity Reports

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement: A study of Newsela’s Checks for Understanding (CFUs)

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement

Key Findings: The CFU Boost

+2.5 Points

Regular usage of CFUs is associated with a percentile point boost to ELA achievement, accounting for overall platform use.

+3.5 Points

The advantage shown by Deep Learners who engaged with questions consistently versus shallow or sporadic use.

1st Try Success

Students who answered correctly on the first attempt saw significantly better ELA outcomes than those needing multiple tries.

Scaffolded Growth

CFUs function as a scaffold for comprehension monitoring, requiring students to pause and evaluate their own understanding.

Who Should Use This Study?

District Admins • Literacy Leaders • Curriculum Directors • Research & Evaluation Teams

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Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement: A study of Newsela’s Checks for Understanding (CFUs)

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement

Key Findings: The CFU Boost

Who Should Use This Study?

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement: A study of Newsela’s Checks for Understanding (CFUs)

Intentional practice encourages deep reading and boosts ELA achievement

Key Findings: The CFU Boost

Who Should Use This Study?

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