Science of Reading and Science of Learning

Lighthouse is built to align with the findings of the Science of Reading and broader Science of Learning. We support the upper strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, the processes of effectively processing, evaluating, and reasoning with information.

Alignment to the Science of Reading 

Lighthouse supports 

• Backrgound knowledge building: tools encourage contextual exploration of sources, authors, and topics before evaluation

• Language comprehension: students analyze claims, evidence, and rhetorical techniques. This strengthens vocabulary and discourse understanding

Alignment to the Science of Learning 

Lighthouse incorporates evidence-learning principles, including: 

• Active learning: students engage in evaluating and annotating content rather than passively consuming media 

• Cognitive load awareness: interfaces are designed to minimize distraction and focus attention on learning tasks 

CRAP Testing (Credibility Evaluation Framework) 

Lighthouse operationalizes the CRAP framework to support existing systematic source evaluation techniques 

Currency: Students assess timelines, publication dates, and compare other recent articles

Reliability: Lighthouse provides a backbone to examining source quality, citations, and factual consistency

Authority: Tools highlight author credentials and expertise

Purpose/Point of View: Lighthouse aids analysis of bias and intent

Common Core Media Literacy

Lighthouse aligns with Common Core-informed literacy and media literacy goals across ELA, social studies, and science. We demonstrate strong alignment to Common Core Reading Informational Text Standards, with particular strength in Craft & Structure and Integration of Knowledge & Ideas, supporting evidence-based analysis, media literacy, and college- and career-ready critical thinking.

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading 

As cited in the 2025 ADA-Compliant Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 

Core Literacy Skills Supported:

• Evaluating sources for credibility and bias 

• Conductiong short and sustained research projects

• Integrating and evaluating multiple sources of information 

• Analyzing author intent and perspective 

Examples of the skills that Lighthouse supports include, but are not limited to:

CCSS RI.6-12.1: Citing textual evidence, evaluating quality and uncertainty

CCSS RI.6-10.6: Identifying author’s point of view and purpose 

CCSS RI.6-8.8: Evaluating arguments and claims 

CCSS RI.6-8.9: Comparing accounts 

CCSS RI.9-12.10: Range and complexity

CCSS RI.11-12.9: Analysis of seminal and foundational documents

Compliance-Ready Design 

Lighthouse is designed with classroom safety, accessibility, and privacy as core requirements. 

Student Data Privacy & Security

• COPPA-compliant: No collection of personal information from children under 13 without required consent

• FERA-compliant: Student data is treated as protected educational records

• Data minimization principles are applied, and only necessary instructional data is collected

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

• WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines 

• Section 508 requirements 

Accessibility features include: 

• Text contrast ratio of 4:5:1

• Interactive elements are keyboard-navigable

• Color cues are supported by shapes or labels for color-blind users 

Alignment to ESSER and CTE Priorities 

ESSER Alignment

Lighthouse supports ESSER priorities by: 

• Addressing learning loss through targeted skill building 

• Supporting equitable access to high-quality digital learning tools 

• Supporting accelerated learning with flexible, standards-aligned instruction 

CTE (Career & Technical Education) Alignment 

Lighthouse advances CTE goals by: 

• Teaching real-world information evaluation skills 

• Building digital professionalism and ethical media use 

• Supporting workplace-relevant research skills