Dual Impact of Lexia English and Core5 on the Language and Literacy Achievement of Emergent Bilingual Students

Purpose: Promoting the academic success and literacy achievement of Emergent Bilingual students requires supporting both their reading skills and their English language proficiency. A growing body of research suggests that Lexia English Language Development™ has a positive impact on learning outcomes for Emergent Bilingual students. Preliminary research also suggests these learning outcomes can be enhanced via the use of other Lexia® programs, namely Lexia® Core5® Reading. The aim of this study was to further examine how use of Lexia English and Core5 alone and in combination impacts the learning outcomes of Emergent Bilinguals in grades 3–5 on standardized English language and literacy assessments. 

Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in four Texas school districts during the 2023–2024 school year. Scores on the 2024 Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment (TELPAS) and the 2024 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness in English Reading Language Arts (STAAR RLA) were compared for students who used Lexia English, Core5, or both, to students in the same districts who did not use either program. Analyses were conducted by matching program users and non-users based on their prior year TELPAS composite score, grade, district, special education status, economically disadvantaged status, district newcomer status, and language program enrollment during the 2023–2024 school year. All analyses controlled for student demographic characteristics, prior achievement, and district and language program enrollment. 

Key Findings: Emergent Bilingual students who used Lexia English and Core5 together scored significantly higher on all domains of the TELPAS (reading, writing, listening, speaking) than students who did not use either program. Emergent Bilingual students who used Lexia English and Core5 together scored significantly higher on their end-of-year English literacy assessment (STAAR RLA) than non-Lexia students.