Magma Math meets ESSA Level II standards, one of the highest levels of evidence under federal education research guidelines.‍

Instructure’s third-party certified researchers conducted a rigorous study to evaluate Magma Math’s impact on student math learning. The extensive research demonstrated measurable gains for students using Magma Math, confirming its effectiveness in improving achievement.

This certification places Magma Math among a select group of K-12 programs recognized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for meeting strict, evidence-based research standards and delivering proven results in the classroom.

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‍Overview

The study, conducted during the 2024–25 school year, evaluated 1,686 students in grades 4–8 across 13 schools in an Ohio public school district. Half of the students used Magma Math, while the other half did not. Researchers compared fall-to-spring math growth using i-Ready Mathematics assessments to measure impact.

The student population reflected the diversity of U.S. classrooms:  40% White, 32% African American, 16% identifying as two or more races, and 11% Hispanic. Additionally, 15% of students were English Language Learners (ELL) and 19% had Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This diversity ensures that the study’s findings are representative of a wide range of learners and educational contexts.

Students in grades 4 and 5 who used Magma Math scored significantly higher than their peers who did not, showing measurable gains in math achievement. The study found that these students improved enough to move from the 50th to roughly the 55th percentile, indicating tangible growth in proficiency.

Grades 4-5 students who used Magma Math had higher spring i-Ready Mathematics scores than those who did not (Hedges’ g = 0.12). This effect size indicates that an average student at the 50th percentile would be expected to perform at approximately the 55th percentile if they had used Magma Math.

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Why It Matters for School Districts

ESSA Level II certification provides districts with the assurance that Magma Math’s effectiveness is independently validated through federally recognized research standards.

For district leaders, it means confidence in a platform that has been proven to improve learning in classrooms, especially in upper elementary grades where conceptual understanding and problem-solving foundations are critical.

Magma Math goes beyond traditional digital worksheets. The platform allows students to write, draw, and show their math thinking, providing teachers with real-time insight into student reasoning, not just right or wrong answers.

This approach supports active learning and discourse, giving teachers visibility into each student’s process while encouraging students to explain and revise their thinking — a method aligned with the latest math education research on conceptual learning.

Curious to learn more about the study? Read our full report here: Magma ESSA Level II Report.

About Magma Math

Magma Math is a K–12 digital math platform that helps students show their thinking, while enabling teachers to understand learning in real time. Aligned with state standards, it supports formative assessment, student-centered learning, and deeper math understanding. Magma Math integrates seamlessly into classroom workflows, giving educators the tools to drive growth through insight, not guesswork.

Learn more at magmamath.com.

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