The Research Behind Speak Agent

Learning sciences research shows that language and reasoning are critical to mastery of the academic concepts at every level of math and science. The research also shows that these skills are closely connected to the content. Language can no longer be relegated to English Language Arts. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing—all six modes of communication must be deeply embedded within the math and science classroom. And that’s exactly where Speak Agent helps!

A group of students working together to solve an engineering problem. There are icons of a column chart, a student with an idea, and an open book.

Academic Language is Critical to Success

The size of a child’s academic vocabulary is likely the single most accurate predictor of achievement. In fact, 95% vocabulary coverage is the minimum needed for comprehension of classroom instruction (Laufer & Ravenhorst-Kalovski, 2010).

Academic vocabulary, however, is not enough. “Academic language” is a broader idea that includes all the language domains of listening, speaking, reading, writing, view, and representing. It is this broader language context, closely connected to the classroom curriculum, that makes academic content meaningful.

Speak Agent is both a teaching toolkit and a platform for student engagement. Teachers can access 36 research-based strategies built into its ready-to-use digital lessons that we map to fit your existing curriculum. No all-day professional development, no crosswalks, no lesson prep. It just works out-of-the-box.

Learn how we put our theory in to practice

A diagram showing the six modes of Speak Agent

The Evidence of Engagement with Speak Agent

Nearly 2,500 secondary math and science students reported high engagement with Speak Agent in school district surveys.

80%

of students agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoy Speak Agent

86%

of students agreed or strongly agreed that Speak Agent helps them learn math and science

72%

of students stated that they learn “more” using Speak Agent than with any other classroom tool or resource

Research Reports & Evidence

Speak Agent is on a continuous research journey. We regularly conduct research, ranging from co-design and classroom feasibility to QED impact studies. Several studies, including large-scale samples, have reproduced the findings that Speak Agent has a significant impact on math, ELD, and science outcomes.