Magnetic Foundations Impact Evaluation
Overview
Published: August 2025
This third-party, independent report evaluated the effectiveness of Magnetic Foundations. Grades K–2 students (total N = 5,312) across 28 schools either received this supplemental intervention or their normal curriculum. They completed standardized measures of literacy (DIBELS® 8th Edition and the i-Ready Inform (formerly i-Ready Diagnostic)) at both the beginning and end of the 2023 to 2024 school year.
The evaluation found that Magnetic Foundations produced a statistically significant improvement in literacy as measured by DIBELS with an effect size of .23. The intervention was similarly effective across Grades K to 2. There was also a statistically significant improvement in literacy as measured by DIBELS for English Learners with an effect size of .40.
This study was designed to meet the criteria for ESSA Tier 2 evidence.
DIBELS® is a registered trademark of the University of Oregon.
- Program:Magnetic Foundations
- ESSA Level:2—Moderate
- Subject:Literacy
- Demographic:English Learners
- Grades:K–2
- Topic:Early Literacy, Multilingual Learners
- Study Year:2023–2024
Meet the Author
Neil Seftor
Neil Seftor is an experienced education researcher with more than 20 years of expertise in econometric and evaluation methodology. His work focuses on the design and analysis of education policy evaluations, including studies using random assignment and quasi-experimental methods. He has also led and contributed to numerous systematic reviews in education research.