KOBI, the innovative reading app designed specifically for children with dyslexia, has achieved ESSA Tier IV validation, marking a significant milestone in its mission to meet the highest educational standards. This recognition validates KOBI’s dedication to creating effective, evidence-based tools that address the unique challenges faced by children with dyslexia and other learning differences.

Children with dyslexia often require more time and support to reach academic milestones, making it critical for educational technology to target multiple areas simultaneously. KOBI rises to this challenge by combining narrated books with phonics instruction and a progressive, individualized system for acquiring new words — all within one seamless user experience. This unique approach ensures that learners not only build confidence in reading but also develop the skills necessary for long-term success.

“Our goal with KOBI has always been to provide a solution that isn’t just helpful but transformative,” said Ursula Lavrenčič, CEO and co-founder of Hopalai. “I take great inspiration from Daniel Kahneman’s perspective on how ‘expert intuition’ develops through repetition and feedback — a concept especially relevant for children with dyslexia. Repetition is key for these learners, allowing them to internalize reading skills while building confidence step by step. KOBI also eliminates the time needed for preparation of materials, and its intuitive design ensures that no expert knowledge is required for effective use. It’s a gift to the parents that want their dyslexic kids to become confident readers, and it’s a gift for educators, who want to complement their instruction with engaged comprehension work.”

KOBI’s ESSA Tier IV validation underscores its commitment to using the latest research and best practices to support children with dyslexia. By focusing on areas such as word recognition, phonological awareness, and comprehension, KOBI provides a holistic reading solution that helps children overcome reading anxiety and achieve their potential.

This achievement comes at a pivotal time for the app, which has already transformed the reading experience for thousands of children in Slovenia and is now expanding to international markets, including the United States.

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