SALT LAKE CITY, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Instructure, the leading learning ecosystem and maker of Canvas LMS, has released its 2026 Evidence Report titled “How to Choose Safe and Effective Classroom Technology,” in partnership with the nonprofit InnovateEDU. The report, unveiled during SXSW EDU, offers a comprehensive analysis of 150 widely used digital tools in K-12 education, assessing their adherence to federally recognized research standards and core quality indicators as scrutiny rises around screen time, artificial intelligence (AI), and academic integrity.
As discussions intensify regarding the impact of technology in education, district leaders are increasingly under pressure to justify their technology decisions. The report highlights substantial disparities between purpose-built educational technology and general consumer tools employed in schools. Key findings reveal that only 40% of purpose-built edtech tools have identifiable evidence aligned to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), contrasting sharply with just 2% of consumer technologies utilized in classrooms. Among those purpose-built tools with ESSA-aligned evidence, only 2% meet the highest evidence standard (Level I), while 5% achieve Level II, 14% meet Level III, and 19% reach Level IV standards.
The report also points to inconsistencies in data privacy protections across classroom technologies. While purpose-built products are more likely to hold recognized data privacy certifications, many still lack verified safeguards. Additionally, interoperability standards are far from universal; only 33% of the analyzed tools have achieved a recognized interoperability certification such as OneRoster, LTI, or Project Unicorn. Although these certifications are more prevalent in educational products, wider adoption remains limited.
Accessibility features are more common than usability validations, with 70% of the 100 most-accessed classroom technologies including at least one accessibility indicator. However, only 15% have achieved a recognized usability certification. As states and districts formalize their evaluation processes, the report notes an increasing scrutiny in procurement decisions tied to ESSA evidence tiers.
“Educators are being asked to do more than ever, and our responsibility is to ensure technology gives them time back so they can focus on meaningful connections with students,” stated Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure. She emphasized that the focus is shifting from merely what a tool can do to whether it measurably improves learning outcomes. Requirements for strong student privacy protections and seamless interoperability have transitioned from differentiators to baseline necessities in building a safe and effective learning ecosystem.
Erin Mote, CEO and founder of InnovateEDU, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for stronger evidence standards across the edtech marketplace. “As states and districts embrace the potential of AI, we have a unique opportunity to set a new, higher standard for educational technology,” Mote said. She noted that focusing on clear evidence of impact and transparent data practices will help ensure that these tools integrate seamlessly into school environments, shifting the conversation from mere adoption to a commitment to high-quality, impactful innovation.
The report underscores the urgency of evaluating AI tools through the same rigorous standards as other classroom technologies. It advocates for the identification of evidence aligned to ESSA, a clear rationale tied to student outcomes, and transparent data governance protections. The rise of AI tools adds further complexity, as districts must differentiate between novelty and measurable impact.
Amid ongoing policy discussions regarding screen time, the report emphasizes that quality and intent matter more than the duration of digital engagement. Structured learning environments that are aligned with educational goals differ fundamentally from passive consumer platforms. As federal relief dollars diminish and state budgets tighten, districts are increasingly referencing ESSA evidence tiers in their procurement strategies, as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
The report prompts educational leaders to begin with a straightforward question: What outcome is this technology intended to improve? Instructure aims to bring transparency to a crowded edtech marketplace and elevate discussions from features and engagement metrics to measurable student outcomes. The Canvas LMS stands out as the only learning management system that meets ESSA Level III research standards, reflecting Instructure’s continued investment in research, privacy protections, and interoperability.
The full 2026 Evidence Report is available at Instructure.com. This report comes at a pivotal time when educational technology is increasingly scrutinized, making a case for accountability and a clear focus on outcomes in the evolving digital landscape.
Methodologically, the report identifies frequently accessed edtech solutions through de-identified usage data collected from August 1 to December 31, 2025. The analysis complies with federal and state student data privacy laws, and publicly available information was reviewed to assess privacy practices, interoperability, and certifications. The findings reflect evidence gathered as of January 2026.
Instructure continues to shape the future of learning by connecting educators, institutions, and learners across K–12, higher education, and the workforce, while InnovateEDU remains committed to eliminating the opportunity gap through innovation in learning models and tools.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
