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Choosing instructional tools today requires more than good intentions — schools are increasingly asked to demonstrate that purchases are grounded in research and aligned to evidence-based practices.
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That’s why we are proud to announce that the VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite has earned Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 Product Certification from Digital Promise, a nationally recognized education nonprofit.
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This certification confirms that VariQuest tools are intentionally designed using established research on how students learn, with a clear connection between product design and instructional outcomes.
‍What Is ESSA Tier 4 Research-Based Design?
ESSA Tier 4 is part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) framework, which encourages schools to use evidence-based educational products and programs.
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Unlike certifications focused only on test results, Research-Based Design: ESSA Tier 4 evaluates whether:
- Product design is informed by credible learning research
- There is a clear theory explaining how the product supports learning
- Classroom use aligns with intended instructional outcomes
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Digital Promise’s certification process provides independent, third-party validation that a product is thoughtfully designed around how students actually learn.
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Why This Certification Matters for Your School or District
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‍For school leaders, curriculum teams, and administrators, this designation offers practical benefits beyond recognition.
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Because the VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite meets recognized research-based design criteria, the certification can help schools:
- Justify instructional purchases during approval or review processes
- Support the use of federal, state, and grant funding that requires evidence-based alignment
- Strengthen grant applications and funding proposals
- Provide documentation for ESSA-related purchasing decisions
In short, the certification helps schools demonstrate that their investments are informed, intentional, and aligned with federal guidance. ‍
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Supporting Visual & Kinesthetic Learning
The VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite is designed to support engagement, creativity, and hands-on instruction across grade levels.
The suite includes:
- Visual display and poster creation systems in the Perfecta Poster Printer Series
- Die-cut and design tools for hands-on learning in the Cutout Maker 2800
- Thousands of ready-to-use instructional templates from the Engage Every Learner Content Library
These tools empower educators to create learning environments that support diverse learning styles while keeping instruction active and student-centered.
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A Commitment to Research-Informed Instructional Design
“This ESSA product certification affirms our deep commitment to grounding every aspect of our design in empirical research and to building tools that meaningfully support educators and learners,” said Jason Butts, CEO of VariQuest.
Digital Promise’s Research-Based Design certification exists to help educators and school leaders identify products that are intentionally designed around learning science — and we are proud to be recognized as part of that group.
View Research Doc – A collection of research and learning science studies that informed the design of the VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite, highlighting how visual and hands-on instruction supports student engagement and outcomes.
View Focus Group Findings – A summary of educator feedback and real classroom experiences demonstrating how VariQuest tools are used in practice to support instruction, creativity, and student-centered learning.
View Logic Model – A clear framework showing how VariQuest tools connect to instructional goals, outlining the research-based approach and expected outcomes that support ESSA Tier 4 alignment.
