A recent study from Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) has demonstrated that Flashlight360, a language learning tool developed by Flashlight Learning, significantly enhances student achievement among multilingual learners. In a quasi-experimental study that included 8,625 students from grades 1 through 12 across 85 schools, Flashlight360 students showed WIDA composite score improvements exceeding 6 points compared to matched students who did not use the tool. The “Promising” rating, awarded by Evidence for ESSA, means the program meets federal standards under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for demonstrating “Promising Evidence” of efficacy.
“I am excited to announce that we are listed among the most effective instructional tools and possibly the only language development tool to meet ESSA’s high standards, underscores Flashlight360’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful language growth for our multilingual students,” says CEO Justin Hewett.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) focuses on ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education. Evidence under ESSA refers to the use of research-based interventions and practices to improve student outcomes. Flashlight360 was awarded Promising status based on studies conducted by Johns Hopkins School of Education. The focus on evidence ensures that educational programs and tools have been tested and proven effective, allowing schools and districts to allocate resources wisely.
Here’s what their research found:
- Composite Score Gains: Students using Flashlight360 for two years scored over 6 points higher on WIDA composite scores than their matched peers, while those in the program for one year showed gains exceeding 4 points.
- Writing Achievement: Flashlight360 students scored 6 points higher on the WIDA Writing assessment compared to their matched counterparts.
- Speaking Achievement: Year two students enrolled in Flashlight360 outperformed peers by over 8 points on the WIDA Speaking assessment.
- Teacher Feedback: Teachers in both Year 1 and Year 2 praised Flashlight360’s ease of use for both themselves and their students. They noted the program’s alignment with the WIDA assessment format, which effectively supports multilingual students’ development in speaking and writing. Positive feedback emphasized the vocabulary development and high-quality feedback the program offers.
See the Evidence for ESSA website to learn more or read the press release.
