This efficacy study examines how Newsela ELA use among grades 6–8 students in Washington relates to reading achievement outcomes within a single school year.

Conducted using state and interim assessment data, the study evaluates whether consistent engagement with Newsela ELA supports literacy growth for middle school students across diverse school contexts.

Key Findings

This study found that:

• Middle school students who used Newsela ELA more consistently showed higher ELA achievement than peers with limited use
• Newsela ELA usage demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with reading performance after controlling for prior achievement
• Results support Newsela ELA as an ESSA-aligned, evidence-based literacy intervention for grades 6–8
• Findings meet ESSA Tier II evidence standards

Who Should Use This Study?

This resource is designed for:

• District literacy and curriculum leaders
• Middle school administrators
• ESSA and federal programs coordinators
• Assessment and accountability teams