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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on LearningTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Method and evidence
We name the teaching method behind each product and say what independent research shows about it.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the program suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use publishers' scope-and-sequence documents, sample lessons and pricing pages, What Works Clearinghouse and Evidence for ESSA reviews where they exist, the American Academy of Pediatrics screen-time guidance, and official exam bodies (College Board, ACT, ETS, AAMC, LSAC) for test formats.
What we check, by product type
| Curriculum and content | Scope and sequence, alignment to standards or exam specifications, and how skills are practiced and reviewed. |
|---|---|
| Teaching method | Systematic phonics, spaced and retrieval practice, feedback, and evidence ratings where available. |
| Age fit | Stated age range, reading level needed, adult involvement and screen-time load. |
| Cost and access | Subscription versus one-time price, family plans, offline use, devices supported and free trials. |
| Privacy and ads | Ads, in-app purchases, data collection for children and COPPA compliance statements. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email info@learningtested.com and we'll check it and fix it.