A fifth-grade teacher from Pennsylvania has been named one of the most effective users of educational technology in the world, highlighting a growing shift in how schools use data to personalize learning. Michael Merloe, an educator at New Covenant Academy, was selected for IXL Learning's Elite 100 List for 2025, a recognition that places her among the top 100 teachers out of millions of active users globally.
What Happened
Merloe was recognized for her ability to integrate digital tools directly into her daily instruction rather than using them solely for homework or filler. According to the announcement from IXL, the Elite 100 list identifies educators who demonstrate "innovation, creativity, and dedication" in helping students grow.
The selection process is rigorous. The list is curated from a pool of nearly 1 million teachers worldwide who use the platform. Merloe secured her spot by maintaining high levels of student usage and utilizing the platform's data to adjust her teaching strategies in real-time. She noted that her students feel a sense of pride when they earn mastery certificates for their efforts, transforming abstract grades into tangible rewards.
The Bigger Picture
This award shines a light on the massive scale of adaptive learning in U.S. schools. As we previously reported, top teachers are using IXL to bridge gaps in student understanding, and the data supports this approach. The platform is currently used by approximately 30% of students in the United States, making it a dominant force in K-12 education.
However, the question for parents is often whether these programs actually work. Research suggests that when used correctly—as Merloe does—they yield significant results. An independent evaluation by Johns Hopkins University found that IXL meets ESSA Tier 1 standards, the highest level of evidence required by federal law. The study showed that students in classrooms effectively using the tool outperformed their peers on standardized math assessments by an average of 10 points.
Beyond test scores, there is a psychological component to this style of learning. A study on math self-efficacy indicates that adaptive platforms can improve a student's confidence. By adjusting the difficulty level to match the student's current ability, these tools prevent the frustration that often leads students to give up on difficult subjects.
What This Means for Families
The recognition of teachers like Merloe underscores that technology is most effective when guided by a skilled educator. The Elite 100 are chosen based largely on time spent per student, which implies that "more practice" correlates with better outcomes only when that practice is targeted.
For parents, this validates the move away from one-size-fits-all worksheets. When teachers use platforms that offer real-time diagnostics, they can identify exactly where a child is struggling—down to the specific decimal or grammar rule—and intervene immediately. This prevents students from falling behind unnoticed.
What You Can Do
- Check the Usage: If your child's school uses IXL or a similar platform, ask the teacher what the weekly usage goals are. Consistency often matters more than cramming.
- Celebrate the Wins: Take a cue from Merloe’s classroom and celebrate digital milestones like certificates or skill mastery at home to boost your child's confidence.
- Look for Diagnostic Reports: Ask your teacher if you can see your child's "Trouble Spots" or diagnostic report. This data is often more useful than a letter grade for understanding where they need help.