As the number of multilingual students continues to rise nationwide, new research shows that targeted language instruction can make a measurable difference. A recent Lexia study found that students who used Lexia English Language Development (Lexia English) in Texas scored significantly higher on both the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment (TELPAS) and the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in English Reading Language Arts compared to students who did not use the program.

Across the United States, Lexia English continues to deliver strong results for linguistically diverse students. In the 2024–25 school year alone, the program reached more than 163,000 students and 80,000 educators in 7,100 schools. 

In Texas, where multilingual students represent more than 23% of all public school students, Lexia English users in four districts showed the greatest gains in speaking and listening skills—core focus areas of the program. On average, these students scored 15 points higher on TELPAS speaking and 7 points higher on listening than non-users. They also outperformed peers on the STAAR Reading Language Arts assessment by 18 points, demonstrating stronger overall literacy achievement.

Lexia English’s impact is further supported by its Moderate Evidence of Effectiveness rating from Evidence for ESSA. This designation confirms the program has demonstrated statistically meaningful, research-based results. For district leaders, it means Lexia English meets ESSA requirements and delivers dependable outcomes across diverse school settings—reinforcing the strong gains seen in Texas.

“These results from Texas reinforce what we’re seeing across the country—when students are given structured, engaging opportunities to speak, listen, and build confidence in English, they thrive,” said Nick Gaehde, President of Lexia. “Lexia English continues to help educators close opportunity gaps and empower multilingual learners to succeed in every aspect of their academic journey.”

“In my classroom, the difference has been unmistakable,” said Tylesia Lewis, Secondary ESL Instructional Support Specialist and Newcomer Teacher at Summer Creek Middle School. “Since using Lexia English, my students have learned to slow down and truly listen. They’re no longer just hearing words—they’re digesting what’s being said, picking up accents and intonations, and building the confidence to speak in class. Their silent period has noticeably shortened; students no longer sit quietly in class the way they once did; they’re speaking up and engaging much sooner.”

Lewis added that the program’s cultural representation helps create a welcoming learning environment for students new to the United States. “Kids see themselves in the program,” she said. “When they recognize characters, cultural elements, or languages that feel familiar, they light up. They feel seen, recognized, and heard—and that makes them more willing to engage and take risks in learning English.”

Grounded in the science of reading and aligned to multiple English language proficiency standards—including WIDA, CA ELD, TX ELPS, NY ELD, and ELPA 21—Lexia English blends explicit instruction with interactive, student-driven learning. Students engage in immersive conversations, practice pronunciation and grammar, and demonstrate knowledge through real-time presentations that reflect authentic classroom communication.

“At Lexia, we believe that language learning is literacy learning,” said Gaehde. “The results we’re seeing in Texas show what’s possible when multilingual learners are given structured, engaging opportunities to build confidence and mastery in English. When educators have the right tools, language growth becomes literacy growth—and every student gains the foundation to succeed far beyond the classroom.”