The SmartBrief Education Readers’ Choice Awards spotlight the education technology solutions that are making a difference in schools and classrooms across the globe. We asked you, our SmartBrief Education readers, to tell us which products and services you rely on daily in your work. Here are the products and providers you said stand out from the crowd.
Early Education
Reading Horizons: Reading Horizons Discovery
Reading Horizons Discovery curriculum teaches foundational literacy skills to students in kindergarten through third grade. One reading specialist called it “Hands down…the best program to increase literacy skills and teach foundational skills to children who are on their way to becoming strong, fluent readers!” An elementary teacher in Texas said, “The growth I have seen in our students since using the program is amazing.”
The Reading Horizons Discovery program includes three components: Reading Horizons Discovery LIVE for lesson planning and teacher coaching; Reading Horizons Discovery WORLD with activities and skill checks for students; and Reading Horizons Discovery COMPANION with grade-specific materials and resources for students and teachers.
Honorable Mention
- Benchmark Education: Ready to Advance
Professional Development
Edthena: Observation Copilot
Observation Copilot uses AI to help school leaders deliver timely, practical feedback to teachers following classroom observations. The tool supports district-specific rubrics, captures timestamped notes and suggests actionable next steps.
A Spokane principal says Observation Copilot is “an absolute game changer for principals. Not only does it save me time, but I’m giving incredible, actionable feedback and suggestions to teachers!” Another Spokane educator says it “cut down admin observation time by half.” A teacher leader at a private school says the platform has been a valuable way to weigh her personal goals. “Edthena really helped by asking the correct follow-up questions to challenge and better my reflection,” she says.
Honorable Mention
- Lexia Learning: LETRS
- Frontline Education: Frontline Professional Growth
Math Instruction
Discovery Education’s DreamBox Math
DreamBox Math is an adaptive, K–9 digital math program from Discovery Education that tailors instruction to students’ needs. The system assesses student interactions in real time, then adjusts lessons accordingly. A Salem, Wis. educator says the platform is “very interactive for primary-aged students.”
DreamBox Math instructional, assessment and reporting tools all align with state standards. The curriculum is available in English and Spanish, integrates with assistive technologies and can be accessed on multiple devices.
IXL Learning: IXL Math
IXL Math is an adaptive online math program for students in pre-K through 12th grade. Lessons cover topics from basic math to advanced calculus.
A lead math teacher at a girls’ academy says the program “allows students to progress and be challenged at their own level.” An educator in New York likes that ”topics can be chosen by grade and skill level” and that the program “also connects to state standards.”
IXL Math offers nearly 5,000 skills, all aligned to Common Core and state standards. The platform provides interactive lessons, immediate feedback and tools such as video tutorials that deliver additional support to students. Its analytic features let teachers track student progress, identify trouble spots and adjust learning pathways accordingly.
Reading & Literacy Instruction
Reading Horizons: Reading Horizons Elevate Express Track
Reading Horizons Elevate Express Track is a one-semester reading intervention program for students in grades 4 through 12. Aligned with the science of reading, the accelerated program includes 35 lessons targeting foundational phonics and decoding skills.
An elementary school teacher in Texas credits RHE Express Track for gains she saw this year with her early learners. “To my knowledge, this was the first year at my school that no first grader flagged for dyslexia and I strongly believe it is because of this amazing program,” she says.
Lexia: Lexia PowerUp Literacy
Lexia PowerUp Literacy is a personalized, blended learning curriculum for students in grades 6 through 12 who are at risk of not meeting College- and Career-Ready Standards. Rooted in the science of reading, the program is built around three instructional strands: word study, grammar and comprehension. Each strand targets specific skill sets to foster reading proficiency. The platform also includes real-time progress-monitoring data and instructional resources to support planning and intervention.
Honorable Mention
- Savvas Learning Company: myView Literacy
- IXL Learning: IXL Language Arts
Learning Management
Otus
Otus is a K–12 learning management system designed by educators that integrates assessment, data analytics, real-time progress monitoring and classroom management into a single platform. It supports personalized learning, allowing teachers to differentiate instruction and work with students on setting goals, and traditional and standards-based grading. Families can access the platform for updates and progress reports. Otus integrates with third-party tools, including NWEA MAP and DreamBox, providing insight into student performance that can help direct instruction and interventions.
Honorable Mention
Assessment & Data Analytics
Otus
Otus streamlines assessment, grading, data and analytics, and progress monitoring to a single platform. Teachers can use the system’s pre-built, standards-aligned assessments or create custom assessments with rubrics, an AI-powered question generator and auto-scoring, among other features. Student data – from national, state, and local assessments – is stored in a centralized location. Users can run reports about individual students, or across grade levels, schools and the full district. Teachers and administrators can spot trends and disparities and make plans for how to support all students effectively.
Honorable Mention
- Benchmark Education: Assess 360
- Copyleaks: Copyleaks AI Detector
STEM & CTE
Discovery Education: Career Connect
Career Connect is a digital platform designed to let students learn about and explore different career fields. The program includes career profiles, virtual field trips and interactive activities — all aligned to specific career clusters — plus opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals. Career Connect is offered within the Discovery Education Experience and integrates with learning management systems.
Special Education
Frontline Education: Frontline Special Education Management
Frontline Special Education Management is a tool designed to support staff in special education programs by reducing administrative tasks and providing more time for classroom instruction. The tool helps manage special programs, simplify compliance, monitor progress, improve Medicaid reimbursement and streamline management of English language learner programs.
Student Wellness
Follett Software LLC: Follett Aspen Student Information System
Follett Aspen Student Information System is a cloud-based platform that centralizes student data management. Integrated within the SIS are tools designed to track students’ social-emotional well-being and development. Conduct and discipline modules let educators and administrators record and analyze student behavior incidents. Reporting tools help identify patterns and guide decisions. Family and student portals provide transparency and help support better collaboration between home and school.
Cybersecurity and Safety & Security
ClassLink: ClassLink Suite
ClassLink Suite offers a full set of cybersecurity tools tailored for K–12 education. The integrated platform protects student data and provides secure access to digital resources. Its security framework includes identity and access management, threat detection, data protection and administrative controls.
Hardware & Infrastructure Technology
Logitech: Logitech Reach
The Logitech Reach is an adjustable content camera that teachers can use to present physical materials during virtual sessions. It combines a high-definition camera with a flexible, articulating arm to provide multiple viewing angles and easy transitions between different content types.
