Core5 outperforms 8 other programs in Idaho’s FY25 evaluation, meeting or exceeding all effectiveness indicators and demonstrating unmatched impact across rural and urban schools.
BOSTON (Aug. 14, 2025) – A newly released independent evaluation by Marzano Research on behalf of the Idaho State Board of Education has identified Lexia Core5 Reading, a program from Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand, as the most effective K–3 literacy program in the state. Among nine digital and blended programs reviewed for the 2025 fiscal year, Core5 earned the highest overall effectiveness score — outperforming well-known tools like i-Ready, Amira and Imagine Learning.
The FY25 Literacy Tools Effectiveness Review, now available on the Idaho State Board of Education website, affirms Lexia’s leadership in early literacy instruction. Core5 stood out among the nine evaluated programs by demonstrating consistently high performance in all four defined effectiveness indicators.
Students across Idaho using Core5 had significant growth in reading proficiency from Fall to Spring, according to results from the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). Across all grade levels, the majority of Lexia users matched or exceeded statewide average growth, with particularly strong outcomes observed in kindergarten.
Additionally, students who met Lexia’s recommended differentiated usage thresholds achieved even greater gains — especially third graders, who showed marked improvement on the IRI compared to their peers.
Lexia’s results were based on one of the largest student samples in the review, with a 99.5% match rate to state records across more than 10,000 students — reflecting both scale and data quality. Core5 was used in 47 schools across 12 Idaho districts, demonstrating its broad reach and consistent impact.
“At the heart of the effectiveness question is whether spending more time using an intervention helps students become more proficient in their literacy skillset… Lexia usage demonstrated a clear dosage effect. Students with more time in Core5 showed higher proficiency rates by Spring,” the report notes.
Lexia also posted the highest rate of students meeting Idaho’s recommended usage threshold — more than 40% — outpacing the next-highest provider by a factor of three. Among all providers, Lexia was one of just two to earn “High” ratings in both usage and impact — an achievement matched only by a program with a significantly smaller sample from a single district.
Key strengths of Lexia Core5 highlighted in the review include:
Idaho’s emphasis on early literacy and rural education innovation makes the state a bellwether for effective instructional tools. With more than 70% of its districts classified as rural, Idaho has long prioritized scalable, evidence-based programs that meet the unique needs of its students and teachers.
“This third-party recognition validates what thousands of educators see in their classrooms every day,” said Nick Gaehde, President of Lexia. “Core5 is engaging for students everywhere — from urban centers to rural communities — helping them develop the foundational reading skills they need to succeed.”
The full Idaho FY25 Literacy Tools Effectiveness Review is available here: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY-25-Effectiveness-Review-Report-crt-7-14-25.pdf
About Lexia
Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand, is transforming literacy education, driving change in 1 of every 3 school districts across the United States. For more than 40 years, Lexia has been a thought leader in literacy education, delivering award-winning, research-based solutions grounded in the science of reading. With a full spectrum of offerings, including professional learning, curriculum, and embedded assessment tools, Lexia provides educators with Structured Literacy solutions that are proven effective and designed to drive meaningful literacy outcomes. By empowering educators with unparalleled ease of use and the knowledge and tools they need, Lexia helps more students unlock their potential to read, write, and speak with confidence. For more information, visit lexialearning.com.
About Cambium Learning Group
Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now. To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment, Lexia, Learning A-Z, ExploreLearning, and Time4Learning.
Media Contacts
Sabrina Leon, Lexia PR Manager
sabrina.leon@lexialearning.com
Charlotte Andrist, Nickel Communications
charlotte@nickelcommpr.com
Media Inquiries Only: 770-310-5244
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