Rooted in Research: IES Research Study in Partnership with World Education

Through a research study generously funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), we partnered with World Education to launch Pace AI to schools across the City of Houston and Southern California to conduct research on the usability, feasibility, and promise of learning gains of our AI.

Study Background

Among immigrant adults in the U.S. without postsecondary credentials, 60% are English Language Learners (ELLs), and many face persistent, systemic challenges in acquiring the language skills necessary for economic mobility.

Pace AI teamed up with World Education—a leading non-profit research organization with expertise in the evaluation and implementation of ed-tech tools in adult education settings—to conduct a research study on the usability, feasibility, and promise of learning gains demonstrated by our AI-powered learning platform.

Pace features that were included in the study:

For the study, we partnered with institutional leaders at the Mayor’s Office of Adult Literacy (MOAL) in Houston, TX and the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) in California to roll out Pace AI implementations to 269 students across 15 classrooms.

Teachers had access to a diverse catalog of high-quality adult education materials, ranging from CASAS aligned readings to workforce preparation modules. From this content, personalized practice activities—covering all language skills and realistic role-play scenarios—can be generated to meet individual learner needs.

Each learner was also supported by their own personal AI tutor, providing on-demand guidance, feedback, and scaffolded support in their native language whenever it’s needed.

Study outcomes:

Learners demonstrated an average 6% learning gain in pre- to post-test scores, particularly in vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension.
89% of learners would recommend Pace to other English learners
87% of learners found our AI personalized practice to be effective in helping them learn.

“Pace AI has always aligned AI development to NRS levels in its lesson and content generation [and] developed AI algorithms to align content with the Teaching Skills That Matter (TSTM) framework.”

– World Ed

Learning Outcomes

learning gain in pre- to post-test scores, particularly in vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension

0 %

of learners would recommend Pace to other English learners

0 %

of learners found our AI personalized practice to be effective in helping them learn

0 %

Methodology

We used a mixed-methods approach to explore three key areas: (1) Usability and Feasibility; (2) Learner Engagement; (3) Promise of Learning Outcomes.

The study involved 269 learners across 15 classrooms.

Teachers were instructed to use Pace AI at least three times per week and to administer one assessed reading every two weeks.

Data collection included student questionnaires as well as focus groups with both students and teachers to capture quantitative results and qualitative insights.

This research study was funded by the Institute of Education Sciences’ Small Business Innovations Research program.

Teacher Testimonials

“I think the onboarding for the instructor was very well put together. The support has been immediate.”

- Teacher, Study participant from Houston, TX

“Pace built their confidence on using technology because some of them are afraid of using a computer... so that built their confidence also on their speaking level.”

- Teacher, Study participant from Houston, TX

Explore Case Studies

Equipping Each GED Learner with a Personal AI Tutor: GED & Me Mobile App

We partnered with the GED Testing Service to develop a first-of-its kind AI Tutor trained on GED learning materials to provide GED learners with scaffolded explanations and multilingual support in 250+ languages.

Boosting Learner Outcomes with Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Learn how Miami-Dade County Public Schools implemented Pace for their ESL programs across the district.

Rooted in Research: IES Research Study in Partnership with World Education

Through a research study generously funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), we partnered with World Education to launch Pace AI in schools across the City of Houston and Southern California to conduct research on the usability, feasibility, and promise of learning gains of our AI.

Let's Connect

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or organization supporting workforce growth and working with adult ESL, GED, and non-traditional learners, Pace AI can help accelerate confidence, skills, and readiness through powerful AI-driven learning.

Submit this form and our team will reach out within one business day.