Certified by Digital Promise, ClassMate offers a research-backed solution for building knowledge and strengthening literacy in middle schools.
CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- World Book announced today that ClassMate, its reading and learning platform for middle schools, has earned the Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 Product Certification from Digital Promise. This nationally recognized, independent certification confirms that ClassMate's design is grounded in learning sciences research, giving schools and districts a verified benchmark for evaluating the platform's effectiveness.
"This certification gives schools and districts a concrete, independently verified reason to feel confident choosing ClassMate," said Rebecca Earnshaw, Senior Director of Product at World Book. "We're proud that our commitment to research-based design has been recognized at this level."
The certification arrives as middle schools nationwide continue to confront a persistent literacy gap. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 30 percent of eighth-grade students currently perform at or above the Proficient level in reading. ClassMate was built specifically to address this challenge, giving educators tools to build subject knowledge and support struggling readers across every subject, not just those led by literacy specialists.
Unlike AI tools built on the open web, ClassMate operates exclusively within World Book's expert-written, editorially reviewed content library. Every article, resource, and reference is vetted by World Book's editorial team before reaching a student, giving districts a responsible, trustworthy alternative to open-web AI tools.
In connection with this announcement, World Book is also offering a free resource for education leaders. "A Leader's Blueprint for Schoolwide Literacy" offers middle school principals and district leaders a practical, step-by-step path to building a schoolwide culture of literacy without requiring every teacher to become a reading specialist. The blueprint is available now at meetclassmate.com.
About ClassMate by World Book
ClassMate by World Book is the reading and learning platform built for and trusted by middle school educators and leaders. For over 100 years, World Book has inspired curiosity and built reliable knowledge. ClassMate carries that legacy forward. ClassMate works exclusively within World Book's expert-written, editorially reviewed content library. Learn more about ClassMate at meetclassmate.com.
About World Book
World Book, a subsidiary of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading educational publishing and e-learning company that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide authoritative, trustworthy, and understandable content in the school and library and consumer markets worldwide. Its robust product suite includes highly engaging digital databases, eBooks and streaming content, the legendary print encyclopedia, and award-winning nonfiction print books. Learn more about World Book at worldbook.com.
Media Contact
ClassMate by World Book, World Book, 1 312-729-5800, [email protected], https://classmate.worldbook.com
SOURCE World Book
Share this article