Category: Blog

June 30, 2025 9:00 am

How to Make This the Summer You Actually Put Yourself First

Burned out from another long school year? Forget bubble baths and five-step to-do lists — this no-nonsense take on summer self-care shares how to set boundaries and prioritize yourself, from saying no without guilt to redefining what productivity means.

With summer break comes a few truths: you need rest, you probably won’t get as much as you deserve, and every blog on the internet will tell you to light a candle and write a gratitude list. That’s right — it’s the season of blog posts and op-eds titled 5 Self-Care Tips for Teachers (or something similar). In theory, that’s great. And let’s be honest, we’ve written them too. No one can argue that teachers work extremely hard and deserve a dream vacation, a deep tissue massage, or long soaks in endless bubble baths. 

The problem? It’s never that easy. Who has the time? Or the money? Self-care lists often include suggestions that feel like just another task to check off (gratitude lists, we’re looking at you) or give advice that’s totally unrealistic.

But the truth is, you do need to prioritize yourself during the break. Recent findings from RAND show that 60% of you are burned out, and 75% are struggling to find the joy in teaching anymore. That’s why, this summer, self-care is all about setting boundaries.  

Here are a few realistic ways to do that.

Image of books, an eye mask and a pair of sneakers

Saying no without guilt

You’ve said “yes” all year, but setting boundaries begins with the radical act of saying “no.” Easier said than done, right? From family responsibilities or caregiving to managing a side hustle, you can’t always say no, which is precisely why you have to when you can.

The hard truth is, there are only 24 hours in a day, and if you say yes to everything, you won’t have the energy or space to show up fully for anything. Sometimes, it might mean turning down something fun or even something you really feel you should say yes to — not because it’s not worth your time, but because you are.   

Now for the next hurdle: the guilt. Feeling selfish or like you’re letting someone down is a common side effect of setting boundaries. What’s important to remember is you’re not. So try setting a limit on how many commitments you take on each week, practice pausing before you say yes, and avoid overexplaining — sometimes all it takes is a simple, “I’d love to, but I need a quiet one.”    

Detoxing from devices (especially your emails)

For many of us, the first and last thing we do each day is check our phones. Texting, working, scrolling, researching — digital technology has completely transformed how we live. But it turns out that 24/7 access to everyone and everything is not great for your brain. Increased anxiety and depression, disrupted sleep, and shorter attention spans are just a few of the side effects of being switched on all the time. 

To put it simply, it’s just not healthy to look at screens as much as we do. Summer is the perfect time to take a step back and try a digital detox — a conscious effort to reduce or eliminate digital devices. We’re not suggesting you go full Do Not Disturb until August. You can, however, set a digital curfew, log out of your school inbox, and have social media-free days each week. As someone who recently deleted an app that stole far too many hours of my life, I can report that it works.

A realistic detox isn’t about ditching tech completely, and it won’t look the same for any two people. Set clear goals that work for your lifestyle, commit to a realistic timeframe that feels manageable, and don’t worry if it’s a little uncomfortable at first — that’s part of the process. Most of all, enjoy the freedom. 

Image of journal, iphone with unplugged headphones and a cup of ginger and lemon tea.
A cup of coffee, two DND dice and a bowl of popcorn

Lower the bar and redefine productivity

Lastly, here’s a little-known secret: you don’t need to make the most of every day — and sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is be unproductive. That’s right, you’re allowed to do absolutely nothing on purpose. Modern society tends to praise constant productivity, and it’s easy to start linking your self-worth to how much you’ve achieved. Rest doesn’t need to be earned (but let’s be honest, every teacher already has).  

What does this look like in practice? Honestly, it’s different for everyone. For some, it’s putting your phone on Do Not Disturb, drawing the curtains, and watching movies without guilt. For others, it’s having a hot coffee without trying to tick things off the to-do list before anyone else wakes up. Basically, wherever your bar is, lower it, and don’t for a second feel bad about it. 

If there’s one thing to take away from this blog post, it’s this: this summer is not about being better or reinventing yourself — it’s about being rested, protected, and finally off the clock.

About the Author – Anise Lee

Anise Lee is a Scotland-based writer with a background in education and marketing. She holds degrees in both fields and is particularly interested in storytelling. When she’s not binge-reading fiction or falling down a social media rabbit hole, she’s probably daydreaming about her next vacation — with her cat always nearby.

May 15, 2025 6:47 pm

7 Fun and Simple Ways to Encourage Reading at Home and in the Classroom

Struggling to get students to read for fun? This blog post shares seven creative tips for educators and families to make reading a joyful habit both in school and at home. From library cards to daily reading routines, discover easy strategies to boost literacy and engagement.

From building vocabulary and attention spans to increasing empathy, it is common knowledge, especially in the education field, that reading for pleasure provides us with so many benefits. But did you know that it can help alleviate depression symptoms and even make you live longer? (BRB while I go find a new book to read.) 

Unfortunately, students today are consuming media tailored to short attention spans and designed to keep them glued to their screens — making it a monumental task to get them to see reading as “fun.” 

Since longevity and mental health might not be the right angles to convince elementary (or even high school) students to read more, read on for some ideas for both educators and families with this shared goal. 

Four Tips to Encourage Reading for Fun (Educators) Assessment is essential for guiding instruction, but they don’t all serve the same purpose.

1. Help students get library cards

As part of back-to-school prep (or whenever the mood strikes), make a quick trip to your local library to grab a pamphlet with instructions for opening a library card. A lot of times, they’re even in the form of a bookmark — bonus! Check with the librarian to see if they can get you enough copies for your classes or even a poster you can hang on your classroom wall. Also, ask how many books a student can check out at once — being able to walk out with a stack of 30 books (some libraries even go up to 100) might be a selling point.  

2. Check that each student has an independent reading book (if not, lend them one) 

Whether independent reading is part of class time or solely for homework, consider making getting a book its own homework assignment. Some students may not have books they like at home, so in that case you can tap your library card poster (see tip #1), set up a class trip to the school library, or allow students to borrow books from your own classroom library. Either way, they may need some guidance around choosing a book in the first place — something I learned with my reluctant high school readers was to find out what movies or TV shows they like and help them find similar books.  

Hint: your reading curriculum may have a digital library of books that students can access at home, like Imagine Language & Literacy’s Seuss Corner. 

3. Choose read-aloud books that are part of a series

If reading aloud is part of your classroom routine, book choice is crucial. Of course, choose something high interest and age and reading-level appropriate, but also consider selecting the first book in a series. Once you get students hooked on the first book, they may want to keep reading the rest of the series on their own.

4. Hold a classroom contest 

I know what you’re thinking: we want students to be intrinsically motivated to read. While I whole-heartedly agree with that, sometimes a little extrinsic motivation can serve as a jumping-off point. It can be something as simple as a class goal for number of books read each month or semester to earn a reward or as ambitious as a competition between classes for a pizza party, but a contest can go a long way toward motivating students to read outside of class. 

Supporting reading at home 

It can be hard for families to know how to encourage their students to read at home. While educators can only control what happens in their classrooms, here are some ideas to suggest to families in school- to- home communication: 

Three Tips for Families to Encourage Reading at Home 

open book icon

Model reading yourself 

The next time you take your child to the library or bookstore, grab a book for yourself, too. Make sure your child sees you reading it. As much as we don’t want them to sometimes, children learn from watching and mimicking their caregivers. If they see you reading as a regular part of your day, they’re more likely to make it part of theirs. 

Globe icon

Read
the world  

This tip doesn’t require books at all! When you’re out and about as a family, take the time to read your surroundings. You’ll be surprised at how much language there is to explore. From street signs and business names to local event posters and menus, encourage your child to find words they know and use them to develop a deeper understanding of their location.  

Clock icon

Have dedicated reading time each day  

It might seem daunting with full-time jobs and extra-curriculars to juggle, but setting aside even 10 minutes a day for reading can really make a difference in developing good habits. Maybe after dinner you turn on some instrumental music and read in the living room for 15 minutes. Or for younger kids you can work reading into their bedtime routine. (Older kids can do this too, but they may feel they’ve outgrown a “bedtime routine”).  

While convincing students that reading might help them live longer or feel happier may not always work, small, intentional actions from educators and families can plant the seeds for a lifelong reading habit. Whether it’s a book that mirrors their favorite show or a quiet 10-minute routine at home, these simple steps can help students rediscover that reading is fun — and who knows, maybe even life-changing. 

About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

May 14, 2025 12:56 pm

3 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Summer School Planning 

Teaching summer school? These three practical tips will help you plan efficiently, support your students, and still make time to enjoy your summer break.

It’s that time of year again — when teachers and students alike are starting to feel the exciting pull of summer break. But you may not share that feeling if you’re teaching summer school this year. 

Taking time to plan now will help make sure things run smoothly and have you sitting by the pool with a good book in no time.  

Here are three ideas to get your summer planning started on the right track: 

1. Rely on curriculum you already have 

Before you put “summer school lesson plans” into your favorite search engine and embark down the rabbit hole of downloadable worksheets that almost fit your needs (with a few easy tweaks that end up taking hours of your time), pause for a moment. Consider starting with the curriculum you use for daily instruction. You already know it’s aligned to your standards, plus both you and your students are familiar with it.  

If you have a supplemental program that you haven’t used as much this year, that’s another great place to look for summer inspiration. While you and your students know how the program works, it will feel new and fresh for summer if it wasn’t used for daily instruction throughout the year.  

Tip: Check for a shortened scope and sequence or abbreviated unit plans — these are often perfect for summer school. Imagine Math even has summer pathways designed to prepare students for the next grade level. 

2. Be realistic about time 

Summer school is typically 4–6 weeks long, which is shorter than the typical grading period during the school year. Depending on what grade level you’re teaching, you may be required to get through a certain amount of material by the end of the summer term. This can result in feeling pressured to cram in as much instruction as possible.  

There are ways to cover the most important (and required) standards without overwhelming yourself and your students. If you’re following a shortened scope and sequence (from tip #1), great. If not, choose the standards most important for your students — maybe one per week of instruction — and focus only on those.  

Tip: Establish a simple routine that is the same each day to maximize your class time.  

3. Make it fun 

Students aren’t often itching to go to summer school when they could be playing with friends or relaxing at home. For that reason, taking steps to make learning fun can go a long way. I know this seems to go against tips 1 and 2, but there are ways to add fun without adding work.  

Consider taking a page from the summer camp book and having a theme for each week. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. An ocean theme could mean the text you’re focusing on is loosely related to the ocean or the science lab is related to water properties.  

Going back to tip #2, add a daily or weekly time slot for a game of some kind. The game can change each day or week, or you can even use something like Kahoot or bingo to serve as an exit ticket (formative assessment and fun all at once!). 

Tip: No time to add themes or create games? No worries. See if you can do part of your lesson outside and let students enjoy the summer weather while reading or working independently.  

With a little thoughtful planning, summer school can be both manageable and meaningful. Stick to what works, keep it simple, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way — you’ve earned it. 

Ready for more summer school inspiration?

Check out our summer learning guides to keep planning.  

Get All the Guides 

April 18, 2025 7:21 pm

Powered by Kindness, Driven by Math — Students Reach $1 Million in Charitable Donations! 

We have a million reasons to celebrate, and they all start with your students. Together, they’ve turned their Imagine Math THINK points earned by completing lessons into an incredible $1 million in charitable donations — that’s right, $1 million. They solved problems, made progress, earned points, and chose to pay it forward.

Teaching the joy of giving back

Plenty of researchers have theorized why humans give. Is it purely altruism? A sense of community? Or perhaps that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping someone else? The truth is, it’s all of these — and more.

In fact, some studies suggest that generosity is an innate trait driven by our need for social connection and belonging. But while children have an enormous capacity for generosity, it does need to be nurtured and reinforced like any other skill. When students are given opportunities to be generous — whether through simple acts of kindness, service projects, or classroom philanthropy — they learn how to give and why it matters.

$1 Million logo, Do math, pay it forward.

One powerful way to nurture generosity in school is through service learning, which allows students to connect their academic growth with something meaningful. It turns progress into purpose — and that’s a lesson that lasts.

Imagine Math brings this concept to life through THINK points, which students earn when they complete math lessons, with additional points awarded for performing well. Students can then use these points to design and upgrade their Imagine Math avatars, achieve class goals, or donate to child-centered charitable causes. It’s remarkable how often they choose the latter, paying it forward rather than personally benefiting from their hard-earned points.

How kindness adds up in Imagine Math

$1 Million logo, Do math, pay it forward.

Imagine Math lessons completed

$1 Million logo, Do math, pay it forward.

Complex math problems solved

$1 Million logo, Do math, pay it forward.

THINK points donated

Since the Imagine Learning charitable giving program began in 2008, students have completed a whopping 7.5 million math lessons, solved 301 million complex problems, and donated 4.5 trillion THINK points. It’s incredibly inspiring (and a whole lot of math wins) — but as Lisa Wise, Customer Engagement Manager at Imagine Learning, says, “What’s most inspiring is that these acts of kindness happen without fanfare. Only the student knows when they choose to give. There’s no recognition, no reward — just the simple joy of doing something good for someone else. It’s a powerful reminder that with every math problem solved and every THINK point donated, these students are spreading kindness throughout the world.”

Students share their “why” for giving

Each student has their own reason for donating, but what unites them is a desire to make a difference — to help others.

$1 Million logo, Do math, pay it forward.

Here’s what some students had to say about their decision to give back:

Aarush, a student at Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary (Alvin Independent School District, Texas), said, “It was a hard decision to give away all of my hard-earned math points, but what made it easier was the fact that it was going to a very good cause. I feel really bad to see people bullied, and I am glad that finally, I was able to help in my own little way.”

A fourth-grade student at Raceland Upper Elementary School (Lafourche Parish School District, Louisiana) explained that he donated 95,000 THINK points to the 4-H charity because, “I’m in 4-H, and donating meant that other people, along with me, would be able to do fun things in 4-H.”

Akiles L., also a student at Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary, said, “I donated generously to the 4-H charity because it is the right thing to do. It makes me happy when I give my math points to charity because I am earning knowledge and helping people at the same time. I would tell students that it feels good to earn math points, but it feels better to help people in need.”

Celebrating $1 million donated

Over the past 20 years, donations have supported more than 50 national and local beneficiary charities, helping drive change in communities across the country. Some of the organizations that have benefited from student donations include:

  1. American Red Cross
  2. Feeding America
  3. Boys and Girls Club of America
  4. Big Brothers Big Sisters
  5. No Kid Hungry
  6. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
  7. DonorsChoose
  8. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation

“At No Kid Hungry, we believe every child deserves a bright future — and that begins with a full stomach and a strong education. We are deeply honored to be part of Imagine Learning’s incredible journey to $1 million in charitable giving. The passion and commitment these students have shown — not just in mastering math, but in lifting up their communities — is truly inspiring. Their efforts are helping build a future where no child goes hungry, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone with them.”

Karen Barr

Managing Director, Individual Giving, No Kid Hungry

Motivating students to love math

It just goes to show that when driven by something meaningful, students engage deeply, as evidenced in their math work. They love completing lessons and earning points (and don’t just take our word for it — see it in action).

Over time, these small wins are adding up — not just in charitable donations but in social awareness, stronger community ties, and math skills that will last a lifetime. That kind of growth is every bit as valuable as the donations and just as worth celebrating.

About the author

Anise Lee

Content Marketing Manager

Anise Lee is a Scotland-based writer with a background in education and marketing. She holds degrees in both fields and is particularly interested in storytelling. When she’s not binge-reading fiction or falling down a social media rabbit hole, she’s probably daydreaming about her next vacation — with her cat always nearby.

April 11, 2025 12:17 pm

How Often Should We Assess? Finding the Right Balance for Student Growth

Finding the right balance in student assessment is key to maximizing learning without over-testing. This blog post explores the importance of a strategic assessment approach, highlighting how screening, diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments guide instruction. Discover how data-driven assessments provide meaningful insights while giving educators the flexibility to support student success.

Five students are out sick, your desks are rearranged in straight rows, and for some reason the Chromebooks didn’t charge last night — it must be exam day. It’s tempting to say that we should administer fewer assessments, given that they’re stressful for educators and students alike, but they exist to provide valuable data about student progress. In the quest to get that data, are students being over-tested? Or do they need more frequent check-ins to track progress and prevent gaps from forming (or widening)? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Let’s explore the benefits of a balanced approach to testing. 

The purpose of assessment

Assessment is essential for guiding instruction, but they don’t all serve the same purpose.

Screeners provide an early snapshot of student skills, helping educators quickly identify those who may need additional support. These assessments offer a broad overview of student readiness and highlight areas requiring intervention.  

Diagnostics take a deeper look at student abilities, assessing specific skill levels and tracking progress over time. They provide data that helps educators personalize instruction and target learning gaps. 

Formative assessments offer real-time insights into student understanding. These quick, targeted assessments help teachers adjust instruction, reteach concepts, and provide immediate support. 

Summative assessments, such as standardized tests or end-of-unit exams, measure cumulative learning. While useful for evaluating progress, they are less effective for informing day-to-day instruction compared to formative and diagnostic tools.

It looks like a lot, probably because it is! But by using a strategic mix of screening, diagnostic, and formative assessments teachers can ensure they have actionable data while minimizing over-testing. 

Risks of over-testing

All these assessment types can quickly add up, becoming way too much testing. Over-testing results in less time for instruction, increased stress and test anxiety for students, and an overwhelming amount of data without time for clear instructional action. As you can imagine, this can snowball into poor outcomes on the assessments.

Risks of under-testing 

While we definitely don’t want to over-test students, it’s easy to swing the other way and not test enough. Without regular assessments, there’s a lack of timely data to identify struggling students early, inform intervention strategies, or track student growth over time. Where over-testing doesn’t leave educators enough time to teach, under-testing doesn’t allow them to see if their instruction is effective. 

Finding the right balance 

While assessments provide essential insights into student learning, it’s clear that we want to avoid testing too much or too little. It’s time to channel Goldilocks and test just the right amount… but how? The key is to find the right balance — assessing often enough to guide instruction without overburdening students or teachers.  

Best practices for assessment scheduling 

To maximize the impact of assessments while minimizing disruptions, educators can follow a structured approach: 

  • Screening at key points — Conduct screening assessments at the beginning of the year (or when a student is new) to establish a baseline for learning needs  
  • Diagnostic assessments for targeted insights — Use diagnostic assessments periodically, such as mid-year, to measure progress and adjust instruction accordingly  
  • Frequent formative assessments — Integrate formative assessments (they can be small, like an exit ticket) into daily instruction to monitor understanding and adjust teaching in real time  
  • Summative assessments with purpose — Administer summative assessments at the end of a unit, semester, or school year to evaluate overall learning, but use them strategically rather than frequently. 

Using data effectively without over-testing 

A unified assessment suite, like Imagine+ Assessment, helps educators strike the right balance by providing high-quality data without excessive testing. Instead of overwhelming students with assessments, educators can focus on actionable insights that directly impact instruction.  

Prioritizing quality over quantity

Meaningful assessments are more valuable than frequent ones. Imagine+ Diagnostic delivers precise, research-backed insights that help educators make informed decisions without unnecessary testing. 

Leveraging technology for efficiency

With automated data collection and real-time analytics, Imagine+ Assessment streamlines the process, reducing teacher workload and making student progress easier to track. 

Making data-driven decisions

Assessment results should drive instruction, not just record progress. Imagine+ Assessment helps educators group students, personalize learning, and identify areas for intervention to ensure every student receives the right support. 

Assessments should work for educators and students — not add unnecessary stress or take away from valuable learning time. The key is finding the right balance, using a strategic mix of screening, diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments to gather meaningful data without overburdening classrooms. When assessments are thoughtfully planned and used to drive instruction, they become a powerful tool for identifying student needs, guiding intervention, and ensuring progress. By prioritizing quality over quantity, educators can worry less about desk arrangements and Chromebook chargers and focus on what matters most — helping students grow and succeed. 

Explore Imagine+ Assessment for a streamlined, data-driven approach to assessments.

Learn More

About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

March 17, 2025 5:07 pm

College or Career? Why CTE Helps Students Succeed in Both

Is college the only path to success? Career and technical education (CTE) offers students a powerful alternative — helping them gain industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and dual credits for college. Learn how CTE prepares students for both high-demand careers and higher education, reducing uncertainty and boosting career readiness.

When I was in high school (longer ago than I care to admit), it felt like the only post-graduation option for success was college. For that reason, I didn’t consider anything else — even though my high school was actually an early adopter of career and technical education (CTE). But now, with the rising costs of college and student debt, students are looking for alternatives. “Alternatives” might sound like a nice word to mean “the less-good option,” but that’s not the case anymore. Many high-paying, in-demand careers do not require a four-year degree but do require specialized skills. That’s where CTE comes in. 

CTE as a direct career path

CTE is known for giving students access to internships and apprenticeships where they get hands-on experience and build applicable career skills. But sometimes when people think of CTE, they picture vocational education with a limited range of career paths. Today’s CTE pathways are full of options in high-demand, high-paying careers like healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering. When students graduate high school already possessing skills tailored to these career paths, they predictably have a much higher rate of employment post-graduation.  

CTE as a pathway to college 

CTE isn’t just for students planning on going straight to a career after high school — it’s a pathway to college, too. With dual credit programs, CTE students can earn college credits while still in high school, allowing them to save money on tuition by fast-tracking their degree. Many CTE pathways even align with college programs and the industry-recognized certifications students can earn help to strengthen college applications. As a result, 79% of CTE students enroll in college or a post-secondary program. 

79%

The percentage of CTE students who enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

source: California Department of Education

The best of both worlds — eliminating career uncertainty 

Many students enter college without a clear career goal, resulting in them changing majors or even dropping out. Taking CTE courses means that students can explore careers in high school before committing to a college major or career path. This means that CTE graduates will enter college or post-secondary training with more confidence in the path they want (or don’t want) to pursue. Not only that, but CTE students are more prepared for college in general: in California, “80 percent of students taking a college prep academic curriculum with rigorous CTE met college and career readiness goals, compared to 63 percent of students who did not take CTE.” 

80%

The percentage of California CTE students who met college and career readiness goals. 

63%

The percentage of California students who did not take CTE courses that met the same readiness goals. 

source: California Department of Education

The impact of CTE: proven success across industries 

Not only do CTE courses boost graduation rates and reduce absenteeism, but they have real-world benefits across a variety of high-demand career paths. 

  • Technology & Cybersecurity: Many students who complete CTE programs in IT and cybersecurity gain industry certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately or transition into college-level computer science programs with advanced standing. 
  • Healthcare & Medical Fields: CTE students in nursing, medical assisting, and biotechnology programs benefit from hands-on training, often securing apprenticeships or earning dual credit toward healthcare degrees. 
  • Engineering & Skilled Trades: Students who take CTE courses in engineering, manufacturing, or automotive technology often receive internships or industry placements, leading to higher-paying jobs right out of high school or a stronger foundation for college engineering programs. 
  • Business & Entrepreneurship: CTE programs in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship help students develop real-world business skills, with many going on to launch their own businesses or pursue degrees in business administration. 

CTE isn’t about choosing between college or career — it’s about preparing for both paths to give students the best chance at future success. By expanding CTE offerings, schools can help students make informed decisions before being asked to choose a major or a job post-graduation. Hopefully, as CTE gains ground in these high-demand career paths, students will have the information and experience they need to pursue their next steps with confidence. 

Discover the top reasons to expand CTE programs in your district

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About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

February 26, 2025 9:53 am

4 Ways Teachers Can Strengthen Math Foundations (and Probably Already Have)

Discover four research-backed strategies educators can use to strengthen students’ math foundational skills — many of which they’re likely already implementing. From dedicated math time to peer-to-peer learning, these simple yet effective approaches can make a big impact in the classroom.

Looking at the most recent NAEP results (aka the Nation’s Report Card) might be the last thing you’d think would inspire optimism. But let’s take a glass-half-full approach for a minute here: in fourth grade, the average math score improved slightly from 2022. This means that educators’ and students’ hard work is paying off.  

Unfortunately, this improvement still puts most fourth and eighth graders performing below pre-pandemic levels. There is clearly still work to be done — and some states have really dug into that work. Alabama, for instance, overhauled their state standards in 2019, created a new assessment, and passed a law designed to improve math instruction. And it’s working: Alabama is the only state whose fourth graders’ average math scores improved over those from 2019. 

High-quality curriculum matters, but so does pedagogy

While it is clear that foundational math skills are key to future success — and evidence-based, high-quality instructional materials can help students build those skills — every classroom does not yet have access to those resources. 

But, to keep our glasses half full, there are plenty of evidence-based strategies that teachers can implement today, without any external resources. In fact, they might be doing most of them already. Here are four: 

1. Have dedicated math time and incorporate math throughout the day

In a practice guide based on an analysis of several studies, the Institute of Education Sciences recommends devoting a set amount of time each day for math instruction coupled with connecting math to other activities throughout the day. 

This first part probably feels like a no-brainer: of course a classroom (or a secondary class schedule) would have dedicated math time each day. But that’s the best part! Check that off the list as an evidence-based strategy students are receiving each day. 

It’s a little trickier to incorporate math throughout the day. Like writing across all subjects, it makes sense to reinforce math concepts when they come up naturally in other activities. But how? 

Stanford’s Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education (DREME) suggests that “math learning can occur throughout the day by integrating math into classroom transitions and routines.” For example, elementary teachers can try using prompts about numbers to get students’ attention. “If you can hear me, use your fingers to show me a number that’s bigger than two.” Or for older students: “If you can hear me, use your fingers to show me a number that’s the square root of 25.” 

2. Teacher modeling with a side of metacognitive strategies

Explicit instruction is one of the most effective ways to support student learning. That means modeling strategies, thinking out loud, and making problem-solving steps transparent. When teachers use metacognitive strategies, such as verbalizing their reasoning process, it helps students develop deeper conceptual understanding.  

This can be as simple as working through a math problem on the board while explaining each step or asking students to reflect on the strategies they used to find an answer. Encouraging students to ask themselves, “Does this answer make sense?” helps build their confidence and accuracy in problem-solving. 

3. Frequent practice opportunities

The adage “practice makes perfect” may not be entirely accurate, but practice does lead to progress toward skill mastery. Frequent, structured practice opportunities help reinforce skills and ensure that students retain what they’ve learned. That doesn’t mean endless worksheets, though — practice can take many forms, from hands-on activities to digital programs like Imagine Math®, which provides personalized practice that adapts to student needs. 

Repeated exposure to math concepts in a variety of contexts builds fluency, allowing students to apply their learning in different situations. Whether it’s a quick daily review, interactive games, or real-world problem-solving scenarios, consistent practice strengthens foundational skills. 

4. Peer-to-peer teaching and learning

Students learn a great deal from explaining their thinking to others. Peer-to-peer teaching encourages students to verbalize their understanding, identify errors in reasoning, and develop a stronger grasp of mathematical concepts. 

Collaborative learning strategies, such as think-pair-share or small group problem-solving, give students opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions about math. Of course, finding time and ways to implement these strategies in a busy classroom isn’t always easy. But even small moments of peer-to-peer interaction can make a big difference. When students teach each other, they reinforce their own learning while helping their peers solidify concepts. 

Educators are already using many of these strategies every day — because they work! While access to high-quality curriculum and resources can make a significant difference, it’s clear that strong instructional practices are equally crucial. Keep looking for ways to reinforce foundational math skills, celebrate the progress students make, and know that your efforts are making an impact. 

About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

February 6, 2025 7:39 am

What Makes HQIM Effective

From their standards alignment to their data-driven design, equitability, and teacher supports, we’re exploring how HQIM prove their effectiveness and earn that famous “HQ”.

Keeping up with the latest buzzy “It” thing in education can feel like a game of whack-a-mole for enthusiastic but time-strapped teachers and district leaders. Even if you’re familiar with what each new theory, technique, or product is, there’s still an analysis process of, “It sounds exciting… but is it affordable? Sustainable? Equitable?” You also need to determine if your school or district has the capacity (and the willingness…(best of luck there)) to pivot away from whatever “It” is replacing.  

For all that effort, this latest shiny thing sure as heck better be effective, right? 

That’s an easy one to answer when what you’re considering are High-Quality Instructional Materials, or HQIM. 

As you’re no doubt aware, HQIM are research-based resources and curricula that are designed to meet specific educational standards and improve learning outcomes across subjects, and they’re the topic of conversation in teachers’ lounges and district meetings around the country.  

While having “high quality” in the name suggests efficacy is inherent, it’s important to understand what exactly makes HQIM so powerful in the classroom. 

With everything HQIM offer today’s educators, the question changes from, “Is it effective?” to “Can you be as effective without it?” 

Built to meet high standards 

HQIM are effective in part because their standards alignment isn’t just a hit-or-miss bonus feature of an otherwise one-size-fits-all product. HQIM are specifically designed to align with national academic standards and your state’s own standards, ensuring students can access the content and skills outlined in those standards… and, importantly, making it easier for districts to access funds for the materials. (Now we’ve got your attention!) 

Another way HQIM check off the “efficacy” box is by providing rigorous content appropriate for the grade level. All students should be getting comprehensive work with grade-level problems through practice, collaboration, and both summative and formative assessments, and HQIM applies extensive research to help ensure students can do so and confidently progress at the end of each academic year.  

But wait there’s more

HQIM go well beyond checking off the standard to-dos to provide educators and students with what they need for effective, empowered learning.  

teacher reviewing instructional materials with students on a tablet

Teacher support 

Do your current materials include clear lesson plans, differentiated activities, and embedded formative assessments to guide you as you deliver effective instruction? If not, consider exploring HQIM options, which prioritize these types of educator supports. HQIM platforms also typically allow teachers to adjust pacing, modify lessons, or incorporate supplemental materials that are more relevant to their classrooms, creating a customized instructional approach. 

Student engagement 

HQIM are loaded with engaging activities, relevant real-world examples, and varied instructional strategies to keep students actively involved in the learning process. They can also include adaptive learning pathways and incorporate technology to support personalized learning. 

Accessibility for diverse learners 

If it wouldn’t work for every student, it couldn’t call itself “high quality”, right? With HQIM, different learning styles and abilities, including those of English language learners, are all accounted for and accommodated. Plus, the content reflects diversity and promotes equity, ensuring every student has access to an engaging, respectful, high-quality education. 

Data-driven design 

At a foundational level, HQIM are based on research and evidence of effectiveness to ensure materials are optimized for student learning. Their data-driven insights and AI integration support proven instructional strategies, often including formative assessments to track progress and adapt learning paths, equipping you for effective teaching. 

So, what’ll it be?

With everything HQIM offer today’s educators, the question changes from “Is it effective?” to “Can you be as effective without it?” Research shows a direct correlation between using high-quality materials and increased student learning outcomes, and it reduces teacher workload at this critical, often-understaffed time. With HQIM, teachers can spend less time searching for materials and more time focusing on student interaction and differentiation.  

Set down the whack-a-mole mallet for a bit. Direct the time and energy you’d normally spend trying to cobble diverse materials together for a coherent curriculum into understanding what HQIM can do for your school or district. Give yourself the chance to provide all students with rigorous and relevant content, narrow achievement gaps, and ignite learning breakthroughs. 

Ready for more? Check out the blog posts below for more subject-specific applications of HQIM.

Driving Student Inquiry

Read more

Building Conceptual Understanding and Habits of Mind in Mathematics

Read more

Making Language Arts Connections

Read more

Unlocking Success with Phenomena-Based Instruction

Read more

January 7, 2025 8:00 am

Personalize Your Summer Program

Learn how to design an effective K–12 summer program that gives each student a chance to meet their personal learning goals.

Updated from original 1/25/22 publication.

Thinking about summer school in the middle of winter with the cozy season upon us and beeping phones giving weather advisories can feel like a distant dream. Yet, planning an effective summer learning program that works district-wide takes time. From kindergarten students who might need extra support with foundational skills to soon-to-be high school seniors who need credits recovered, districts have a lot to plan for.  

While we cannot possibly predict every student’s unique needs, a few simple steps can help you make the most of the coming summer minutes and allow each student to say yes to summer learning with a personalized pathway to academic success. 

Identify Learning Goals 

Summer is sweet but short, and with a small amount of time, it’s best to set specific, tangible goals for your students now. That way, you know how to staff, what programs you’ll need in place, and teachers will know how to best prepare for a successful summer. Are there too many students at risk of not graduating on time? Is math performance down district-wide? Look at your data but don’t focus on the negative. Instead, take those needs and turn them into positive goals, such as: cut the percentage of at-risk students in half or increase math fact fluency in grades 3–5, so students are algebra ready — the more specific the goal, the better.  

Involving students in goal setting is motivating, too. So, consider announcing your goals for students in a way that makes them visible, understandable, and motivating.  

Not sure where the biggest learning needs are for your students? Consider investing in a comprehensive assessment system.  

Select a Program and Pathway 

Once you know your unique learning goals, it’s time to dive into the planning. It’s easy for educators at this point to spend hours and hours on the internet googling, “how to set up a virtual summer school,” or “how to write a summer learning unit,” or, worse, downloading questionably sourced worksheets. If you catch yourself doing the same: please stop.  

There’s no need to design your own program when curriculum designers have taken the time to create research-backed curricula for you. Save yourself some time and select a reputable provider who does the heavy lift. Students get better results, and you get more time by the pool. It’s a win-win situation. 

student at school on computer

Learning Goal: improve graduation rates

Pathway: an online (or hybrid) 6–12 summer school that allows students to recover credits in an adaptive environment that focuses on what they need, not what they already know

young boy entering a home

Learning Goal: math and reading skill concept recovery 

Pathway: a personalized, adaptive, all-in-one intervention program that creates an individual pathway to grade level for each student and suggests targeted reteaching lessons 

a group of students in classroom learning on tablets

Learning Goal: enrich learning and prepare for the next grade level 

Pathway: a supplemental program suite that creates more confident learners while also improving reading, language development, and math skills 

a group of students in classroom learning on tablets

Learning Goal: increase language proficiency for ELLs 

Pathway: a personalized learning program that accelerates both literacy skills and English language development with specialized activities for multilingual students

Implementation Tips

  • Save on costs by offering at-home, online credit recovery for high school students 
  • Use a station rotation model to free teachers to give students one-on-one support  
  • Start with an initial assessment to ensure students are learning the skills they need, not what they already know 
  • Utilize programs that adapt to students’ needs and support independent learning 
  • Provide login information to families so that students can learn from their device at home (or on vacation!) 

Plan for Progress-Monitoring and Reteaching Opportunities

“Set it and forget it!” with your summer learning programs sounds tempting, but we know how critical formative assessment is from September to June. We can’t forget that even during the summer, while we’re daydreaming about hitting the beach over the weekend. Work with your summer staff and curriculum providers to check for progress midway through the summer semester. 

If you’re a virtual high school teacher, you can schedule one-on-one check-ins with students or virtual office hours. Be sure to explore your virtual program’s teacher data dashboard to see where students are struggling.  

If you’re in elementary, be sure to build in opportunities for those one-on-one and small group reteaching opportunities that can make a big difference — a blended learning station rotation model works well for this!  

Don’t Forget to Have Fun! 

Summer learning pressure to “close gaps” and recover credits can feel overwhelming — but don’t let that anxiety drive your program. Students did their best for nine months and often crave a change of rhythm, just like we do. Try creating a fun theme with incentives that coordinate with your learning goals (Blast off to Summer Math Facts Space Camp, anyone?). Most of all, allow the student-teacher relationship to take priority. When students know that staff care, see them, and believe in them, they’re more likely to work harder (especially when that summer sun is calling). 

Keep Going with Summer Planning

We’ve got you covered with summer learning guides to help you personalize an effective program for your unique needs. 

Get All the Guides 

November 18, 2024 7:00 am

How Educators Can Tackle Academic Integrity in Online Learning 

Academic integrity is one of the biggest challenges educators face in today’s digital classrooms. Imagine Learning’s recent webinar explored how widespread cheating has become, why students resort to it, and the cutting-edge strategies available to address it.

Maintaining academic honesty is essential to fostering a productive learning environment, but as more learning takes place online, the avenues for academic dishonesty have increased. Imagine Learning’s recent webinar, “Navigating Academic Integrity in Online Learning,” featured insights from Deborah Rayow, VP of Product Management, and Cindy Rojas, Product Management Director. Together, they addressed the current scope of academic dishonesty, how digital tools have complicated the landscape, and what educators and districts can do to create an environment of integrity. 

Understanding the Scope of Academic Dishonesty 

“Cheating has certainly been an issue in education for as long as there’s been secondary school and colleges,” shared Deborah Rayow, reflecting on the persistence of this challenge. Cheating rates have grown alarmingly over the decades. In the 1940s, only 20% of college students admitted to cheating. Today, that number has surged, with studies showing that anywhere from 75% to 98% of college students admit to some form of dishonesty. Even at the high school level, around 95% of students admit to cheating. 

Why the sharp rise? Rayow suggested it may come down to perception: “The vast majority of students who cheat report believing they won’t be caught.” When students feel disconnected from the learning process or doubt they’ll be held accountable, they may be more inclined to engage in dishonest behavior. 

Actionable Advice: 

Districts should consider adopting clear policies on academic integrity, making expectations and consequences known. By providing training and resources that align with these policies, districts can support teachers and create a consistent approach across schools. 

Modern Cheating Techniques and Digital Challenges

In today’s digital classrooms, students have access to a variety of tools that make cheating easier and more sophisticated. From scripts and bots that can automate tasks to answer-sharing platforms, students can leverage technology to bypass traditional learning efforts. “Our data tells us that students feel empowered by these tools because they feel the risk of being caught is low,” explained Rayow. 

Actionable Advice: 

Educators can reduce opportunities for dishonesty by diversifying their assessment strategies. Consider options such as: 

  • Randomized Question Pools: By presenting unique questions for each student, it becomes harder for students to share answers. 
  • Timed Assessments: Limiting the time allowed for each assessment reduces the likelihood of students using outside resources. 
  • Project-Based Learning: Moving away from traditional exams and using project-based assessments gives students a chance to showcase their learning authentically. 

These methods do more than deter cheating — they allow students to demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways. 

What Educators and Districts Can Do to Uphold Integrity 

Upholding academic integrity is not solely the teacher’s responsibility; it requires support at all levels, especially from district administrators. By establishing district-wide guidelines on integrity, school systems can empower teachers to maintain these standards in their classrooms. 

The webinar highlighted how teachers can set clear expectations, provide consistent reinforcement, and design assessments that discourage dishonesty. While teachers play a frontline role in fostering honesty, districts can support this mission with broader policies and resources. 

Actionable Advice: 

Districts should consider adopting clear policies on academic integrity, making expectations and consequences known. By providing training and resources that align with these policies, districts can support teachers and create a consistent approach across schools. 

Tools that Simplify Academic Integrity in Online Assessments 

One of the exciting highlights from the webinar was Imagine Learning’s upcoming Lockdown Browser, a tool designed to create a secure and fair testing environment by limiting access to other tabs, applications, or resources during online assessments. “Our goal is to support teachers with tools that create fair testing environments,” said Cindy Rojas. The Lockdown Browser, as well as other easy-to-use academic integrity tools, not only makes it more challenging for students to cheat, but also helps teachers focus on what truly matters — their students’ learning.  

When reliable tools are in place, teachers can concentrate on student progress without the constant need to double-check for signs of dishonesty. By reducing the temptation to cheat, tools like the Lockdown Browser support a more straightforward assessment process, where teachers can confidently assess students’ work and provide constructive feedback. This shift allows educators to prioritize meaningful interactions and focus on advancing each student’s understanding, rather than second-guessing the authenticity of their responses. 

Actionable Advice: 

Stay informed on user-friendly technologies that reinforce academic integrity. Implementing secure, accessible assessment tools helps create a culture of honesty, giving students the structure to approach their studies authentically and allowing teachers to devote their energy to supporting each learner’s academic journey. 

Academic integrity is a complex issue in online learning, but educators have powerful tools and strategies at their disposal. By fostering a classroom culture that values honesty, utilizing varied assessment types, and embracing new tools, educators and districts can build an online environment where integrity thrives. 

Ready to learn more?

Watch the webinar recording here