The consensus across studies of Fundations is that, when it is implemented as intended, students using Fundations as part of Tier 1 instruction achieve greater gains in foundational literacy skills and have a greater likelihood of reaching grade-level benchmarks than students in comparison schools implementing other programs. These results are consistent across groups, including English learners (ELs)/multilingual learners (MLLs).
Research shows:
- Students using Fundations are significantly more likely to meet reading benchmarks.
An independent ESSA Tier 2 study showed students were 2.3 times more likely to meet end-of-year benchmarks than peers using other programs.
- Kindergarten impact is especially strong.
In a replication study also meeting ESSA Tier 2 standards, students receiving Fundations in kindergarten were 4.5 times more likely to reach higher benchmark levels at the end of the year, demonstrating the value of starting early.
- Positive effects extend across Grades K-3.
Students showed continued growth in fluency, decoding, and spelling across K-2, with Grade 3 students reaching or exceeding grade-level expectations.
- Risk of later reading difficulties is reduced.
Schools using Fundations experienced a rise in end-of-year, grade-level benchmarks from about 40% to 60-65%, meaning fewer students were below benchmarks or at risk than at the beginning of the year.
- Results are consistent across diverse schools and student populations.
These effects were found across urban, rural, and suburban districts in multiple states and across different demographic groups.
- Fundations supports both Tier 1 instruction and Tier 2 intervention.
Used within a Multitiered System of Supports (MTSS), Fundations provided effective foundational skills instruction for students in the general education classroom and at-risk students needing extra support.
Teachers believe that Fundations helped them become more knowledgeable. In a survey of K-2 teachers:
- 73% found that Fundations helped them improve their ability to implement evidence-based practices and strategies to teach foundational reading skills.
- 78% indicated that Fundations helped them increase their knowledge of evidence-based instruction of foundational reading skills.
Fundations is an effective, evidence-based foundational skills program as shown by studies aligned with ESSA evidence requirements.
Read more about Fundations’ Studies of Program Effectiveness
Also read more about the impact of Fundations Ready to Rise®
