I am a seventh grader in the Scottsdale Unified School District, and I'm writing this petition because many of my classmates and I are facing significant challenges with the IXL platform. IXL is supposed to be an educational tool, yet its design seems more punishing than supportive. The explanations of the lessons often come across as unnecessarily wordy, almost like reading a PhD dissertation, and many of my peers often resort to Googling or even using AI to get a digestible explanation.

The scoring system on IXL is brutal. It penalizes mistakes so harshly that it fosters an overwhelming fear of failure. The anxiety this generates is counterproductive to the learning process. The impact is even more pronounced for neurodivergent students like me, who deal with ADD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, OCD, etc. The rigid approach of IXL exacerbates these challenges, making learning a source of stress rather than achievement.

Education should be about fostering understanding, curiosity, and growth, not about building fear and anxiety. There are alternative educational platforms that offer a more compassionate and effective approach to learning. Scottsdale Unified School District should consider replacing IXL with tools that accommodate diverse learning needs, such as DreamBox or Khan Academy, which are known for their supportive methods and positive feedback mechanisms.

Studies have shown that punitive education methods can hinder long-term academic success and mental well-being. According to a 2020 study on educational stress, excessive pressure and penalization in learning environments can lead to increased levels of anxiety and decreased motivation among students. By continuing to use IXL, we are doing a disservice to the future minds and leaders of our community.

Let's make a change for the better. By removing IXL, we can create a more inclusive and nurturing educational environment. Our district has the opportunity to be a leader in adopting practices that truly support all students.

Please sign this petition to urge the Scottsdale Unified School District to remove IXL from our curriculum and replace it with a more empathetic and effective educational tool. Your support can make a difference in the learning experiences of countless students.

Goal: 1,000+ supporters/until district notices us and makes a change.

Creator: Landry B.

Spreader: Gregory D.

YouTube Video that inspired this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QJuJYYYBHc&t=1699s

IXL Reviews:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/ixl/user-reviews/adult​

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ixl.com