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 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 Experts Behind the Program
Charlie Ebersole, Ph.D.
Charlie Ebersole, Ph.D., is the owner of Honesty Day Consulting. He studies educational programs and policies as well as research methodology in the behavioral sciences. He has previously worked at the American Institutes for Research and was an associate director of the Psychological Science Accelerator. He holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Virginia.
Welcome!
For a better website experience, please confirm your location.