When Principal Torres first saw 8th graders working at four different math levels seamlessly…
…it was during a demo of best adaptive learning software from one of the top AI-powered platforms. For the Lincoln School District in Oregon, 2024 marked a turning point. Enrollment was rising, classroom diversity was expanding, and state mandates now required competency-based adaptive learning by 2026.
So began Lincoln’s six-month evaluation of over 20 adaptive learning platforms, aimed at finding a solution that was not only scalable but personalized to every student’s pace, path, and potential.
Their journey became our research foundation.
What is Adaptive Learning?
Adaptive learning is an educational approach that uses technology—often powered by AI and machine learning—to personalize instruction in real time based on each learner’s performance, pace, and preferences. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all methods, adaptive learning systems continuously assess students through data inputs (like quiz results, engagement patterns, and time spent on tasks) and adjust the content, difficulty, and sequence accordingly.
This allows every student to follow an individual learning pathway, promoting mastery-based progression and targeting specific knowledge gaps. Whether in K–12, higher education, or corporate training, adaptive learning helps create scalable personalized learning environments that respond dynamically to each learner’s unique journey.
How We Evaluated the Top Adaptive Learning Platforms
Before shortlisting, Lincoln’s technology and curriculum team established five key benchmarks for implementing adaptive learning district-wide:
| Evaluation Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| AI Sophistication | Depth of algorithmic content delivery, responsiveness to learner data |
| Scalability | Ability to scale across K–12 schools, classrooms, and device types |
| Assessment Depth | Quality of adaptive assessment systems, use of real-time assessment tools |
| Implementation Support | Onboarding, PD, tech stack integration, and LMS compatibility |
| Cost Model | Transparent pricing tiers for district, classroom, and enterprise usage |
These benchmarks were informed by how adaptive learning works in real classrooms and aligned with modern adaptive learning strategies like mastery-based progression, individual learning pathways, and data-driven instruction.
The 7 Leading Adaptive Learning Platforms Compared
Below are the seven standout AI adaptive learning tools Lincoln tested, along with their real-world classroom use, AI capabilities, and differentiation.
1. DreamBox Learning
AI Capabilities: DreamBox uses intelligent adaptive engines for math and reading, adjusting difficulty in real time. Its algorithmic content delivery dynamically adapts not just the question type but also the pedagogical approach. It’s in number 1 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
Implementation Story: Lincoln piloted DreamBox in Grade 5 math and saw a 22% improvement in mastery-based progression within 9 weeks.
Key Benefits:
- Strong alignment with Common Core
- Excellent real-time assessment tools with built-in scaffolding
Differentiator: Best-in-class learning analytics dashboards that visualize growth, usage, and gaps across schools.
Pros:
- Real-time adaptivity
- Engaging student UI
- Spanish language support
Cons:
- Focused on K–8 only
- Limited non-STEM content
2. Smart Sparrow (Now Part of Pearson)
- AI Capabilities: Enables educators to create their own adaptive learning pathways using logic-based triggers. Great for higher ed.
- Implementation Story: Lincoln used Smart Sparrow in an AP Biology flipped classroom. Engagement doubled in 4 weeks. It’s in number 2 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Key Benefits:
- Competency-based adaptive learning model
- Supports simulation-based assessments
- Differentiator: Unmatched instructor control over adaptive assessment systems and pathways.
- Pros:
- Ideal for higher education and science labs
- Customizable templates
- Cons:
- Requires training to create effective pathways
- More complex implementation
3. Knewton Alta (Wiley)
- AI Capabilities: Uses AI-powered personalization to tailor content in math, economics, and chemistry. Tracks each concept’s mastery in a fine-grained way. It’s in number 3 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Implementation Story: Piloted in Lincoln’s dual-credit College Algebra course. Students finished 18% faster.
- Key Benefits:
- Transparent learning analytics dashboards
- Affordability for higher ed students
- Differentiator: Real-time feedback loops and high granularity in competency-based progression.
- Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Embedded videos and hints
- Cons:
- Limited to select disciplines
- Not designed for K–12
4. Squirrel AI
- AI Capabilities: Fully autonomous AI adaptive learning tool powered by deep learning and knowledge space theory. Tracks 10,000+ micro-concepts. It’s in number 4 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Implementation Story: Lincoln ran an after-school pilot in middle school ELA. Reading comprehension scores rose 15% in 2 months.
- Key Benefits:
- Highly individualized instruction
- Scalable personalized learning across massive student bases
- Differentiator: True algorithmic content delivery with minimal instructor input needed.
- Pros:
- Advanced AI engine
- Predictive analytics
- Cons:
- Minimal teacher customization
- Currently China-based; US support growing
5. Istation
- AI Capabilities: Combines adaptive assessment systems with game-based learning. Strong focus on literacy. It’s in number 5 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Implementation Story: Lincoln’s 2nd-grade cohort used Istation to improve early reading. Fluency gains averaged 26%.
- Key Benefits:
- Ideal for RTI and Tier 2 support
- Embedded real-time assessment tools
- Differentiator: Blends adaptive diagnostics with guided reading groups.
- Pros:
- Excellent K–3 literacy focus
- Offline learning mode
- Cons:
- Outdated interface
- Narrow curriculum coverage
6. McGraw-Hill ALEKS
- AI Capabilities: Leverages knowledge space theory to map student understanding and guide through mastery-based progression. It’s in number 6 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Implementation Story: Lincoln used ALEKS for summer school algebra recovery. 84% passed the credit in 5 weeks.
- Key Benefits:
- Strong in math remediation
- Clear data-driven recommendations
- Differentiator: Depth of individual learning pathway branching based on misconceptions.
- Pros:
- Robust math foundation
- Strong backend analytics
- Cons:
- UI not ideal for younger users
- Setup can be time-consuming
7. Century Tech
- AI Capabilities: AI engine recommends micro-lessons using neuroscience principles. Tracks engagement and fatigue levels. It’s in number 7 of our list of top 7 adaptive learning platforms.
- Implementation Story: Lincoln tested Century for high school science. Homework completion rose by 31%.
- Key Benefits:
- Supports differentiated instruction tech
- Visual learning dashboards for students
- Differentiator: Mental load tracking and proactive re-sequencing of modules.
- Pros:
- Modern UX
- International curriculum coverage
- Cons:
- Fewer integrations with US LMSs
- More expensive than peers
Critical Comparison Tables
Platform Feature Comparison
| Platform | Real-Time Assessments | Analytics Dashboards | Individual Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|
| DreamBox | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart Sparrow | ✅ | ⚠️ Custom Setup | ✅ |
| Knewton Alta | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Squirrel AI | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Istation | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ⚠️ Limited |
| ALEKS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Century Tech | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Implementation Difficulty Score
| Platform | Setup Complexity | LMS Integration | Cost Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| DreamBox | Low | High | High |
| Smart Sparrow | High | Medium | Medium |
| Knewton Alta | Medium | Medium | High |
| Squirrel AI | Low | Low | Low |
| Istation | Low | Medium | High |
| ALEKS | Medium | High | Medium |
| Century Tech | Medium | Low | Low |
Real-World Applications
K-12: Elementary RTI Model
Using Istation, Lincoln’s early literacy team identified students needing intervention by week 2. With built-in adaptive assessment systems, Tier 2 supports were automatically adjusted.
Higher Ed: STEM Success
In College Algebra, Knewton Alta helped students learn via mastery-based progression, ensuring no one moved forward with gaps. Data fed directly into Canvas.
Corporate Training: Skill Upskilling
A regional bank partnered with Smart Sparrow to design soft skills training with differentiated instruction tech, adapting modules based on previous leadership experience.
Adaptive Learning Implementation Checklist
10-Step Roadmap for Implementing Adaptive Learning:
- Define clear instructional goals (e.g., competency-based adaptive learning)
- Choose pilot grade levels or departments
- Evaluate AI adaptive learning tools against your LMS
- Run a small pilot (3–5 teachers)
- Collect engagement and mastery data
- Conduct PD on data-driven instruction
- Watch for over-reliance on automation
- Ensure learning analytics dashboards are teacher-friendly
- Roll out phased expansion
- Continuously refine based on learner pathways and results
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Adaptive Learning Platform in 2025
As the Lincoln School District’s journey illustrates, selecting the right adaptive learning platform is less about flashy features and more about alignment—with instructional goals, classroom realities, and the diverse needs of today’s learners. In 2025, AI is no longer a novelty in education; it’s a necessity.
The best AI adaptive learning tools empower educators with real-time assessment tools, actionable learning analytics dashboards, and the flexibility to support mastery-based progression across subjects and grade levels. Whether you’re serving elementary readers, college-bound STEM students, or upskilling employees, the right platform can unlock the full potential of competency-based adaptive learning.
But success isn’t just in the software—it’s in how thoughtfully it’s implemented. With careful planning, strong professional development, and a focus on differentiated instruction tech, schools and organizations can transform personalization from a buzzword into a daily, data-driven reality.