Magnetic Comprehension

Build Knowledge and Excel in Reading Comprehension

Offer Grades 3-5 students equitable access to grade-level texts to deepen knowledge, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

Overview

Unlock Opportunities for Grade-Level Reading

Rich, diverse texts and dynamic classroom discussions empower all students to become confident readers. Designed to supplement any core program, it uses a research-based framework with strategic scaffolds to support all learners, including English Learners, in reading and analyzing complex texts. Units organized around content-rich topics engage students with relatable literary and informational texts that systematically build knowledge. Actionable i-Ready Assessment data and embedded formative and summative assessments ensure responsive teaching.
  • Program Type:Instruction
  • Curriculum Type:Supplemental
  • Subject:Literacy
  • Grade(s):3–5
  • Language:English
  • Format:Print
  • Copyright:2022

Program Features

Expand Knowledge and Vocabulary

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Connected Topics Draw Students into Learning
Each unit is organized around a content-rich topic, and each week students deepen their knowledge on that topic through a rich variety of activities and texts.
Integrated Word Learning Develops Rich Vocabulary
Key vocabulary is reinforced across texts as students encounter the words in different contexts and use them in academic discussions and writing activities.  
Relatable Text Sets Inspire Curiosity
Literary texts explore themes that students can connect to, while informational texts provide engaging insights into science, social studies, technology, and the arts.  

Provide Access to Grade-Level Texts

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 Protocols Engage All Students
Embedded protocols provide structure for activities, so all students have a chance to think, talk, and participate equally. 
Routines Structure Learning
The regular use of research-based routines helps students gradually develop independence to critically analyze texts. 
Strategic Scaffolds Build Confidence
Lesson planning supports, with explicit attention to English Learners, and strategies at point of use equip students to read and analyze complex texts.  

Unlock Potential with Data Insights

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Actionable Data Highlights Student Readiness for Instruction
The Grade-Level Planning (Scaffolding) report gives valuable insights into students' readiness for upcoming instruction and provides supporting resources. 
Ongoing Assessments Ensure Instruction Is Responsive
Embedded formative assessment opportunities in each lesson allow teachers to identify individual needs and provide immediate feedback. 
Unit Assessments Identify Trends in Student Progress
A variety of item types and an extended-written response in summative assessments help teachers uncover patterns of error and understand student growth.

Testimonials

I love the diverse stories that students read because of this program. The activities do a great job getting students to think about what they read and to go back into the text to search for answers.

— Anonymous, Teacher, Ohio

Testimonials

I am a firm believer that if Magnetic Comprehension is utilized with fidelity, students will make significant growth.

— Anonymous, Administrator, Illinois

Testimonials

I love the writing component with checklists for each lesson. I love that the writing piece directly applies the standard/focus covered in the lesson. The longer passages provide more rigor. The Connect lessons are a wonderful way to wrap up a lesson reviewing all of the skills covered in a unit. The guided practice and questioning/highlighting in the text is an excellent way to practice and informally assess students’ understanding. Magnetic Comprehension is my favorite and I highly recommend it!

— Anonymous, Teacher, Georgia

Testimonials

The stories are interesting and hold the students’ attention. Also, the PowerPoint is great to intro[duce] the units. I have everything I need to teach without having to pull from different sources.

— Anonymous, Teacher, New Hampshire

Testimonials

The rigor and spiraling in the stories are exactly what our students need! Ninety percent of the vocabulary in state testing is in the program.

— Anonymous, Administrator, California

Testimonials

The Magnetic Comprehension is broken down to teach the skill specifically. The lessons flow. I love how it has I do, we do, you all do, and then you do by yourself.

— Anonymous, Administrator, Florida

What's Included

Teacher's Guide

  • Detailed instructions for unit, weekly, and daily planning
  • Assessments and rubrics to evaluate student progress
  • Helpful teacher tips, including English Learner supports

Student Worktext

  • Engaging grade-level texts
  • Daily purposeful practice opportunities
  • Sentence stems for discussion
  • Graphic organizers and written responses

Digital Access through Teacher Toolbox

  • Lesson Slides
  • Weekly Lesson Quizzes
  • Additional Vocabulary Support
  • Resources for Differentiation
  • Language Handbook Lessons
  • Literacy Discourse Cards
  • Multimedia Content
  • Access to Ready Reading and Ready Writing Materials

Related Resources

Case Study

Grades K–5 Grade-Level Reading Proficiency Increases by ...

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District's reading achievement increased across all grade levels and stu...

Research Base

Magnetic Reading: Research Base

Magnetic Reading provides research-based instruction informed by practical classroom experience, an under...

Efficacy Research

Impact of Magnetic Reading in Iowa Schools: Evidence fro...

Magnetic Reading supports higher grade-level placement. When compared to students from similar schools an...

Meet the Experts Behind the Program

When kids know the level where they’re performing, and they know where they want to be performing—that’s a huge motivator for them to work harder day in and day out. That mindset is a life skill that will serve them well forever.

Angie Renard, Grade 2 Teacher, Cloverdale Community Schools

Profile photo of Dr. James W. Cunningham

Dr. James W. Cunningham

Professor Emeritus of Literacy Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Ray Reutzel

Dean of the College of Education, University of Wyoming
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Sharroky Hollie

Executive Director, The Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning
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David A. Dockterman, Ph.D. 

Designer, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 
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Odia Wood‑Krueger 

Advisor for Cultural Authenticity
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English Learners Success Forum 

Advisor for English Learners
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Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy

Experts in Knowledge Building