Boosting ELA test scores isn’t easy. It takes effort and the right resources. That’s why I curated the top digital resources for teachers to improve ELA test scores!
Boosting ELA Test Scores
In today’s educational landscape, the importance of strong literacy skills cannot be overstated. English Language Arts (ELA) test scores serve as a critical benchmark for student achievement, impacting everything from individual academic progress to overall school performance. Boosting ELA test scores is on the mind of all administrators. I looked around and couldn’t find the right list of digital resources for teachers. That’s why I compiled the best digital resources on the internet.
As educators, we constantly seek effective methods to enhance our students’ reading and writing abilities, and technology has proven to be an invaluable ally in this endeavor.
In 2024, there are plethora of digital resources for teachers and it can be challenging to discern which resources will genuinely make a difference in the classroom. I polled over 100 colleagues for the top digital resources for teachers. I asked for resources that have been shown to boost ELA test scores, providing insights into their features, pros, and cons.
Whether you’re looking at boosting your ELA test scores or just looking for digital resources for teachers, these recommendations will help you find the best fit for your teaching needs.
I don’t actually like the idea of learning for the sole purpose of boosting test scores. These apps will help students progress in their own literacy journey, in addition to boosting ELA test scores. 🙂
1. ReadTheory
Description: ReadTheory is an adaptive online platform designed to improve students’ reading comprehension skills. By mimicking the setup of standardized tests, ReadTheory offers a seamless transition for students from practice to actual test conditions.
Features:
- Test Mimicking Setup: The platform’s structure closely resembles standardized tests, providing students with familiarity and reducing test anxiety.
- Progress Reports: Teachers can access detailed reports on student progress, helping to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Premium vs. Free Version: While ReadTheory offers a robust free version, the premium subscription provides additional features such as in-depth analytics and an ad-free experience. I use the free version and it works fine. 🙂
Pros:
- Accessibility: The free version is readily available, making it a cost-effective tool for classrooms with limited budgets.
- Detailed Analytics: The premium version offers comprehensive insights into student performance, aiding in targeted instruction.
Cons:
- Ads in Free Version: The presence of advertisements in the free version can be distracting for students.
ReadTheory stands out as a versatile tool that not only prepares students for the format of standardized tests but also provides valuable data to inform instructional strategies. By incorporating ReadTheory into your ELA curriculum, you can help students build the skills they need to succeed on test day, and it’s not as boring as other platforms.
Thoughts: ReadTheory has been boosting ELA test scores in my classroom for about four years. We practice reading twice a week for 15 minutes. It’s also great for ELD! It’s one of my favorite digital resources for teachers on this list.
2. IXL
Description: IXL is a comprehensive online learning platform that offers practice across various subjects, including ELA. Its adaptive learning system provides personalized pathways for students, ensuring they work on skills suited to their current levels.
Features:
- Whole Class and Individual Practice: IXL can be used for whole-class instruction, individual practice, or targeted skill development.
- Targeted Skill Practice: Teachers can assign specific skills to students based on their needs, allowing for focused practice.
- Progress Tracking: IXL offers detailed analytics that track student progress and proficiency levels.
Pros:
- Versatility: IXL can be utilized in various instructional settings, making it a flexible tool for teachers.
- Comprehensive Tracking: The platform provides in-depth reports on student performance, helping teachers tailor their instruction.
Cons:
- Student Frustration: Some users report that incorrect answers and the resulting penalties can lead to student frustration and discouragement.
IXL’s strength lies in its adaptability and comprehensive tracking features. By integrating IXL into your teaching strategy, you can provide targeted practice that addresses individual student needs, ultimately enhancing their ELA skills and test performance.
Thoughts: Our district has a contract with IXL. We have the premium version and the district credits it with boosting ELA test scores. I think IXL is a good platform but it’s easy for the kids to burn out with it. If used as a warm-up a couple times a week, it can help with boosting ELA test scores.
3. CommonLit
Description: CommonLit offers a free digital library of reading passages and literacy resources for students in grades 3-12. The platform is designed to improve reading comprehension through high-quality texts and rigorous questioning.
Features:
- Reading Passages: CommonLit provides a wide range of reading materials, from classic literature to contemporary nonfiction.
- Teacher Notes: Each passage comes with teacher notes and suggested discussion questions to facilitate classroom instruction.
- Assessments and Grouping Strategies: Teachers can use CommonLit to conduct assessments and group students for differentiated instruction.
Pros:
- Free Access: CommonLit offers its resources at no cost, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious educators.
- Rigorous Content: The platform provides challenging texts that help build reading comprehension and analytical skills.
Cons:
- Need for Additional Structuring: To maximize its effectiveness, teachers may need to provide additional structuring and guidance when using CommonLit.
CommonLit excels in delivering high-quality, rigorous content that can significantly boost reading comprehension. By incorporating CommonLit into your curriculum, you can start boosting your ELA test scores. 🙂
Thoughts: CommonLit is one of the digital resources for teachers that I consider a “must-have”. I always have CommonLit assignments ready in case I ever get sick. I print them out so I don’t have to digitally assign them. Also, kids can easily find the answers online, so I always have them complete assignments on paper. It’s also a great way to supplement content.
4. Actively Learn
Description: Actively Learn is an interactive reading platform that engages students through questions and annotations embedded within the text. This tool helps students think critically and improves their comprehension skills.
Features:
- Interactive Reading Assignments: Actively Learn integrates questions and annotation tools directly into the reading passages, prompting students to engage deeply with the text.
- Collaboration Tools: The platform allows students to collaborate and discuss their readings, fostering a deeper understanding.
- Teacher Analytics: Teachers can track student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed.
Pros:
- Deep Engagement: The interactive elements of Actively Learn encourage students to read closely and think critically.
- Collaboration: The platform’s collaboration tools help students learn from each other and improve their comprehension through discussion.
Cons:
- Limited Discussion on Test Score Improvements: While Actively Learn is effective for comprehension, its direct impact on test scores is less documented.
Actively Learn is a valuable tool for promoting critical thinking and deep engagement with texts. By using Actively Learn in your classroom, you can help students develop the skills necessary for both comprehension and analysis, which are crucial for ELA success.
Thoughts: Like CommonLit, Actively Learn is one of the great digital resources for teachers, if only to help supplement content already in the classroom.
5. Study Island
Description: Study Island provides standards-based practice and assessments designed to help students master state-specific academic standards. The platform offers customizable sessions to meet the unique needs of each classroom.
Features:
- Standards-Based Practice: Study Island’s content is aligned with state standards, ensuring that practice sessions are relevant and effective.
- Customizable Sessions: Teachers can create customized practice sessions tailored to their students’ needs.
- Progress Reports: The platform offers detailed reports that track student performance and progress over time.
Pros:
- Alignment with State Standards: Study Island’s alignment with state standards makes it an excellent tool for preparing students for state assessments.
- Customizability: Teachers can tailor practice sessions to address specific areas where students need improvement.
Cons:
- Cost Considerations: The cost of Study Island may be a factor for some schools and districts.
Study Island’s strength lies in its alignment with state standards and its ability to provide targeted practice. By using Study Island, you can ensure that your students are well-prepared for state assessments and have mastered the necessary skills for ELA success.
Thoughts: Study Island came highly recommended by colleagues when I asked which platforms they used for boosting ELA test scores in their classrooms. Our school does not have a contract with them but about 1/3 of the teachers I polled use it and love it.
6. NoRedInk
Description: NoRedInk is an online writing and grammar platform that personalizes learning based on students’ interests and skill levels. It provides practice exercises, diagnostic assessments, and writing assignments that help students improve their writing proficiency.
Features:
- Personalized Learning: NoRedInk tailors exercises to students’ interests and current abilities, making practice more engaging and effective.
- Diagnostic Assessments: The platform offers assessments that help identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement.
- Writing Assignments: Teachers can assign and grade writing tasks, providing feedback directly through the platform.
Pros:
- Engagement: Personalization based on student interests increases engagement and motivation.
- Effective for Writing Improvement: Focused practice on writing and grammar skills can lead to significant improvements in student performance.
Cons:
- Limited Focus on Reading: While excellent for writing and grammar, NoRedInk does not provide as much support for reading comprehension.
NoRedInk’s personalized approach makes it a valuable tool for improving students’ writing skills. By incorporating NoRedInk into your curriculum, you can help students develop the writing proficiency needed for success in ELA assessments and beyond.
Thoughts: This is one of the digital resources for teachers recommended by teachers. I signed up a few days ago – after I looked over the results of my poll. I think this app will benefit my ELD students kind of like ReadTheory. I am looking forward to using it next year!
7. Achieve 3000
Description: Achieve 3000 offers differentiated reading instruction with a focus on nonfiction content. The platform adapts to each student’s reading level, providing appropriate texts and questions to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Features:
- Differentiated Instruction: Achieve 3000 personalizes reading materials to match each student’s reading level, ensuring that all students are challenged appropriately.
- Nonfiction Focus: The platform’s emphasis on nonfiction content helps students build background knowledge and critical thinking skills.
- Detailed Reporting: Teachers receive comprehensive reports on student performance, including growth over time.
Pros:
- Effective for Diverse Classrooms: The adaptive nature of Achieve 3000 makes it suitable for classrooms with a wide range of reading abilities.
- Detailed Analytics: Comprehensive reporting helps teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs.
Cons:
- Cost: Achieve 3000 may require a subscription or district purchase, which can be a barrier for some schools.
Achieve 3000’s differentiated approach and focus on nonfiction make it a powerful tool for improving reading comprehension. By using Achieve 3000, you can provide personalized instruction that meets the needs of all your students, helping them excel in ELA.
Thoughts: This is one of the apps that our district pays for in the hopes of boosting ELA test scores in our classes. We use this specifically with our struggling readers. I think if you use Achieve 3000 faithfully, you will see an increase in scores.
8. Lexia
Description: Lexia offers personalized reading instruction through an adaptive platform that provides individualized learning paths. It supports students in developing foundational reading skills and comprehension through targeted practice and assessments.
Features:
- Personalized Learning Paths: Lexia adapts to each student’s needs, providing tailored instruction to build reading skills.
- Progress Monitoring: Teachers can track student progress and identify areas for additional support through detailed reports.
- Foundational Skill Development: The platform focuses on essential reading skills, from phonics to advanced comprehension.
Pros:
- Highly Effective: Lexia is known for its effectiveness in improving reading skills, particularly for struggling readers.
- Detailed Progress Tracking: Comprehensive analytics allow for precise monitoring of student growth.
Cons:
- Subscription Cost: Lexia requires a subscription, which may be a consideration for some schools.
Lexia’s adaptive and personalized approach makes it a highly effective tool for improving reading skills. By integrating Lexia into your teaching strategy, you can provide the support your students need to develop strong foundational skills and succeed in ELA.
Thoughts: Lexia is another app that several people commented was one of the best digital resources for teachers. We do not have a subscription at our district but with so many people recommending it, it sounds worthwhile to check into for your school!
9. Quill.org
Description: Quill.org offers free, research-based writing, grammar, and sentence construction activities designed to help students develop strong writing skills. The platform provides interactive exercises that adapt to individual student needs, ensuring effective and personalized instruction.
Features:
- Interactive Activities: Quill.org engages students with a variety of interactive activities focused on improving grammar, sentence construction, and writing skills.
- Personalized Learning: The platform uses diagnostic assessments to tailor activities to each student’s skill level, providing targeted practice to address specific needs.
- Detailed Reporting: Teachers receive detailed reports on student progress, including strengths and areas for improvement, enabling data-driven instruction.
- Collaborative Tools: Quill.org offers tools that allow students to work collaboratively on writing tasks, fostering peer learning and teamwork.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Quill.org is free to use, making it accessible for schools and districts with limited budgets.
- Engaging Content: The interactive nature of the activities keeps students engaged and motivated to improve their writing skills.
- Comprehensive Support: Detailed reports and personalized learning paths help teachers provide effective, individualized instruction.
Cons:
- Limited Nonfiction Content: While Quill.org excels in writing and grammar, it may not offer as extensive a range of nonfiction reading materials as other platforms.
- Limited Focus on Reading: While excellent for writing and grammar, Quill does not offer support for reading comprehension.
Quill.org’s interactive and personalized approach to teaching writing and grammar makes it one of the best digital resources for teachers by enhancing student literacy skills. By incorporating Quill.org into your curriculum, you can provide engaging and effective writing instruction that meets the diverse needs of your students.
Thoughts: A colleague of mine introduced this app to me a few years ago. My students were totally burnt out with IXL, so I decided to give it a try. This app is one of the best digital resources for teachers on this list because students need to physically write the grammar correctly in order to submit their answers. Questions are not multiple choice. I credit this app with boosting ELA test scores for my ELD students.
Conclusion: Boosting ELA Test Scores in Your Classroom
Boosting ELA test scores takes time and persistence. These digital resources for teachers by teachers is the most comprehensive list I’ve seen online. Each of these resources provides personalized, engaging, and targeted instruction. These tools offer a variety of features that cater to different instructional needs and learning styles.
These digital resources for teachers were compiled with input from over 100 educators. These tools can address individual student needs, track progress effectively, and provide rigorous practice that prepares students for standardized assessments and academic success.
Which ones have you found most effective in your classroom? Leave a comment below or connect with us on social media to share your insights and strategies for improving ELA test scores.
