Roadmap Learning says digital curriculum improved elementary outcomes in pilot districts

Roadmap Learning, a platform spun out of the University of Michigan, presented research and classroom testimony to the subcommittee as the company seeks broader adoption in Michigan schools.

Gus Sameo, Roadmap CEO, said the platform focuses on engaging "alpha generation" learners through interactive, inquiry-driven lessons and reported usage with roughly 9,000 Michigan students. Dr. Antap Jeksa of Saginaw Valley State University described peer-reviewed research and a two‑year longitudinal study under review that the presenters said showed reading‑growth advantages for Roadmap users.

Billy Freeland, a 32‑year teacher at Kent City Elementary, provided a classroom testimonial describing year-over-year gains in fifth-grade proficiency in science after his school implemented Roadmap and related curriculum supports: "Currently, last year, our fifth graders scored at 43.5," he said, describing gains from lower baseline percentages in earlier years. Freeland also described how the platform organizes lessons and allows teachers to send individualized roadmaps to students.

Committee members asked about prior funding and commercialization; presenters said University of Michigan research supported initial development, that roughly $2,000,000 in development funding was raised (presenter estimate), and that the platform is now licensed to Roadmap Learning for commercial rollout. Presenters described accessibility features for younger students and accommodations (read-aloud, voice/video responses) for learners with dyslexia or attention needs.