Posted on April 12, 2024April 16, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 12, 2024 10:38 am

Open Any Door with Critical Thinking

Workplaces are changing fast. Jobs with “routine” work have decreased and there’s a much bigger emphasis on soft skills like the 4Cs. In part one of our four-part series, discover how critical thinking unlocks future pathways for students and how STEM in particular fosters it.

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

“The world is incredibly complex. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and I use those fundamental [STEM] skills to find all of the puzzle pieces and put them together in a way that makes sense to me.”

Noby Leong

Chemist

Critical Thinking: The First C Unveiled

What do we mean by critical thinking? And why does it take center stage? Critical thinking is about analyzing and evaluating information to make sound conclusions. It’s more than solving math problems or conducting experiments — it’s about challenging assumptions and seeing beyond the obvious to become an active, engaged problem solver.

In the classroom, this might look like students debating the best approach to solving a problem or designing multiple hypotheses to test an experiment. Ultimately, it’s a skill that prepares students for overcoming real-world challenges in any field.

From STEM Classrooms to Any Career

So how does mastering Pythagoras’ theorem or challenging scientific approaches benefit students who don’t want to pursue STEM? The answer lies in the universal transferability of the critical thinking involved. Whether it’s strategizing a marketing campaign, improving customer service protocols, or writing compelling narratives, critical thinking is woven into the fabric of every career you can imagine.

The message is clear: critical thinking is more than an academic skill. It unlocks potential across all disciplines and all future pathways for students.

In the next installment of our series on the 4Cs of STEM, we’ll explore the power of collaboration and how it shapes the leaders of tomorrow.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

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Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 11, 2024 7:00 am

Ten Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Curriculum

Expanding or moving core curricula into an online format is a strategic decision that can profoundly impact graduation rates and expand the variety of offerings your district or school provides. When establishing a virtual or extended online course program for essential subjects, it’s important to know what features, content, and supports are necessary for a successful implementation.

While there’s a lot to consider for the unique needs of your school community, there are 10 key factors to be mindful of as you compare options for a virtual program.

1. Alignment with Curriculum Standards

Superior digital course content is designed around established curriculum standards. This ensures the content covers necessary learning objectives for the targeted grade level or subject area. While such alignment may seem like a given, the degree to which different providers do this varies. Online course content should be meticulously aligned with curriculum standards, ensuring educators and students have access to relevant and impactful learning materials.

2. Engaging and Interactive Content

To capture the attention of today’s students, virtual courses must feature engaging multimedia content. Interactive activities and simulations promote active learning, and captivating content that encourages student engagement facilitates deeper understanding.

3. Adaptability and Personalization

The ability to adjust pace, difficulty, and content based on individual student needs is crucial in required courses. Look for online curriculum options with adaptive features to ensure that every student’s learning experience is personalized, maximizing their potential for success.

4. Feedback and Assessment

Providing timely and constructive feedback helps students understand areas for improvement. Robust assessment tools enable educators to track performance and tailor interventions effectively and should seamlessly integrate with your district’s existing learning management system (LMS) and student information system (SIS).

5. Teacher Support and Resources

Comprehensive support and resources for teachers, including teaching guides and data analytics, are vital, but only if educators can implement them. As the market for virtual courses grows more competitive, more providers are offering professional development opportunities to support educators throughout the implementation process.

6. Student Supports

Intuitive, accessible online curricula supports diverse learning needs, including different languages and assistive technologies. Make sure the virtual curriculum you choose for your school or district prioritizes accessibility, ensuring all students can navigate their core learning journey effectively.

7. Commitment to Academic Integrity

In today’s digital age, addressing academic dishonesty is more important than ever. A commitment to academic integrity should include embedded tools to help educators maintain a trustworthy learning environment.

8. Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Seamless integration with your existing LMS and other educational technology platforms streamlines workflows and lightens teachers’ burdens. Easy integration capabilities facilitate efficient data sharing and analysis and should be a ‘must’.

9. Continuous Updates and Improvements

Your virtual courses should evolve with changes in curriculum standards and educational technology. Regular updates will ensure educators and students always have access to the most current and effective content, so be sure to partner with a provider that demonstrates a commitment to staying up to date.

10. Evidence of Effectiveness

Look for a provider with an online curriculum backed by research studies, case studies, and user testimonials. A proven track record of improving student outcomes is essential, and the positive impact it can have is immeasurable.

There are more virtual curriculum programs than ever, but finding the one that will empower potential in your school or district needn’t be overwhelming. Choose one that offers comprehensive features, engaging content, and robust support for both educators and students. These essential factors will enhance your educational offerings and support student success.

Ready to search for
‘the one’?

Here’s A Good Place To Start

About the Author – Kallie Markle

Kallie Markle lives in Northern California with her family of humans, house plants, and dogs. The humans take up the least amount of space. Before joining the education world, she wrote her way through national parks, concerts, tourism, and brewing.

Posted on April 3, 2024April 10, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 3, 2024 6:17 pm

Navigating the Biden Administration’s Education Agenda

The president’s “Improving Student Achievement Agenda” aims to enhance education through focused efforts on absenteeism, tutoring, and extended learning. Here are three suggestions for how to align your district with those priorities, offering tangible paths to enrich student experiences and achievements.

It’s no secret that declining student achievement is a pressing issue facing educators and students, and, really, the entire nation. Everyone from the Washington Post to the next-door neighbor with a struggling student at home is talking about our literacy and mathematics crisis. National movements, like the science of reading, and individual states and districts are desperately attempting to provide a solution.

Recently, the Biden administration threw its hat in the ring to try and help. EdWeek reports, “U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden announced… the administration’s new ‘Improving Student Achievement Agenda’ at a White House event with governors and state education leaders.”

This initiative targets three issues impeding student achievement: addressing absenteeism, enhancing tutoring, and extending learning opportunities after school and over the summer. Although no new funding grant or opportunity exists, the administration is asking districts to align their Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) spending accordingly.

School administrators are now tasked with a significant responsibility: leveraging these funds to not only meet federal directives but also to truly enrich their students’ educational experiences. Here’s an overview of the three-pronged approach the Biden administration has put forth — and a few ideas for how Imagine Learning can help.

Addressing Absenteeism Through Engagement

Between 25% and 30% of students were chronically absent in 2023, down only slightly from the previous year. Absenteeism is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a multifaceted approach, particularly focusing on family engagement and support.

Implementing programs that excite and engage students can also help. Studies show that 96% of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students graduate from high school and that high-risk students enrolled in a CTE program are eight to ten times less likely to drop out in grades 11–12.

Imagine Learning provides eDynamic learning elective courses and CTE pathways to more than 80,000 students nationwide. These courses offer students flexible learning online or in a hybrid model, giving students agency and an alternative path to graduation. By empowering students with choices that fit their unique circumstances and learning styles, educators can foster ownership and motivation toward their education.

Providing High-Dosage Tutoring Online

The Biden administration’s push for tutoring reflects the critical role it plays in student achievement. High-dosage tutoring, in particular, has been identified as a powerful tool in addressing learning gaps. Finding the staff to provide those much-needed one-on-one or small-group hours is a difficult task, especially given the nationwide teacher shortage.

Imagine School Services is the human branch of our company, providing real-life, caring, high-quality online educators. Students enrolled in Imagine Edgenuity’s online courses can access on-demand, one-on-one tutoring. This dual support system ensures students receive the focused help they need within the course and the option for individualized attention, making it a comprehensive solution to bolster academic success. We also offer Small Group Targeted Instruction. Schools identify students with similar educational needs and skill gaps, and we provide focused instruction for students online with a qualified interventionist. It’s an innovative solution for students in understaffed regions.

Extending Learning with Research-Proven, Personalized Tools

Extended learning opportunities, including over the summer, are essential for mitigating learning loss and preparing students for future success. There’s just no way to close large learning gaps without extending the hours students spend, well, learning. Our “Summer of Yes” initiative exemplifies how summer and extended learning programs can be designed to be both enriching and remedial, providing students with the skills they need to excel in the upcoming school year.

The key to effectively using ESSA funds for extended learning is selecting evidence-based programs aligned with the Biden administration’s educational priorities. Imagine Learning’s offerings are grounded in research and proven to support student achievement, making them an excellent choice for administrators. In particular, our suite of supplemental digital programs allows students to access personalized instruction anywhere, anytime: after school, at home, over the summer, and on vacation. The best part? They’re proven to work.

1.8x

Imagine Language & Literacy students at three districts across Texas achieved 1.8x greater growth on a standardized assessment compared to non-participating peers.

68.9%

of Imagine MyPath students in Stratford Independent School District exceeded yearly growth expectations on the MAP Growth™ reading and math assessments during the 2020–2021 school year.

108Q

Overall average annual Quantile growth for Imagine Math students in a 2021–2022 national analysis.

As education continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, administrators play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning. By thoughtfully leveraging ESSA funds in line with the Biden administration’s educational initiative, schools can provide students with the support, engagement, and opportunities they need to succeed. Through strategic investment in programs that address absenteeism, enhance tutoring, and extend learning opportunities, administrators can ensure that their schools not only meet the expectations set forth by the Biden administration but also set a new standard for educational excellence.

Imagine Learning is dedicated to partnering with educators in this journey, offering scalable, research-backed solutions that address the immediate needs of today’s students while laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s achievements.

Posted on April 2, 2024April 11, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 2, 2024 12:19 am

20 Years of Impact and Innovation with Imagine Language & Literacy

Imagine Language & Literacy has worked with educators like you to revolutionize digital literacy for over two decades. Let’s celebrate 20 years of innovation — and most importantly — the many lives touched by our collective mission.

The Roots of Dedication

Two decades ago, Imagine Language & Literacy began as a bold vision to transform the way children learn language and literacy. Born from a desire to break down the barriers in education, it was established with a clear goal: to offer innovative, technology-driven solutions that could cater to the diverse needs of young learners, especially those facing the challenges of language barriers.

In these formative years, the company was more than just an educational technology startup; it was a combination of ideas, aspirations, and a shared belief in the power of education. Our founders, a group of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts, worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, laying the foundation for what would become a leading force in educational software.

As the company grew, so did our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of students. Kimberly Judd, a Professional Development Operations specialist and an integral part of the Imagine Learning family for 13 years, reflects on this ethos with pride, saying, “Our mission — to provide our kiddos with what I feel is ‘a better future’ — makes me proud and happy to work for Imagine Learning!” This sentiment echoes the core principle that has been driving Imagine Language & Literacy since its inception — a relentless pursuit of providing children with the tools they need to build brighter futures through literacy.

Stories of Transformation

Emily Bybee, a 13.5-year veteran and Account Executive, shares a heartwarming story: “About 10 years ago our media team recorded a video about Christian — a 10-year-old boy with autism. He thrived on Imagine Learning and gained a lot of confidence. His family moved, and he lost access, so Imagine Learning employees donated their own funds to purchase Christian a device and get him an Imagine Learning license.” This act of kindness exemplifies the depth of our commitment to every student’s educational journey.

Ben Tanner, a 15-year member of our team, recounts another impactful story: “Israa, an elementary school-aged refugee who arrived in CO not speaking any English, was greatly helped by Imagine Learning. She later visited as a high schooler, sharing her ambitions of attaining a graduate degree.” This story is a testament to the profound impact Imagine Language & Literacy has on the lives of students, especially those facing significant challenges.

Nikie Torio, with 15 years at Imagine Learning, speaks to the growth and reach of Imagine Language & Literacy: “In 2011, BYU Hawaii’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) invited me to collaborate on a project aiding Tuvalu’s youth. Imagine Learning donated $15,000 worth of software to teach English. I worked late into the night supporting SIFE in preparing laptops and training educators bound for Tuvalu.” This story illustrates the global impact of our program and the dedication of our team to reach every student, regardless of location.

“As a first-generation American from a Filipino immigrant family, Imagine Learning’s impact on English language (EL) students is deeply personal. Seeing students succeed reminds me of my family members who once faced similar challenges. I feel fortunate to work with educators, believing in the power to teach language and literacy, changing lives and opening doors of opportunity for the children of the world.”

Nikie Torio

Account Executive, Imagine Learning, 15-Year Employee

Innovation with Results

Phil MacCabe, a Supportability Manager, has worked behind the scenes on Imagine Language & Literacy for 18 years. “I started out in quality assurance testing, mostly making early literacy games for K–2 students.” His journey mirrors the evolution of the program, highlighting our continuous pursuit of innovation in education.

Since its inception, we’ve focused on consistently improving our Smart Sequencer technology and adding features like Fluent Reader+ to make teachers’ jobs easier while improving student outcomes. “It is motivating to know there has been a generation of continually growing impact, improving more and more students, opportunities, and futures each year,” says MacCabe.

Looking Forward

Our journey is far from over. We continue to innovate, inspire, and impact, holding true to our mission of teaching language and literacy. As we move forward, we carry the stories of our past, the dedication of our present, and the promise of our future.

As a thank you to our customers for 20 years of making an impact together, throughout this 20^th year we’ll be revealing new characters, books, a fresh theme song, and lessons, but don’t worry: Booster and your favorite games are here to stay!

Imagine Language & Literacy’s 20-year journey has been an extraordinary tapestry of stories, achievements, and learning. We stand committed to our mission — one that started with a simple yet powerful belief: language and literacy can change lives and open doors of opportunity.

Twenty years of innovation — and it’s only just beginning.

Artwork of Booster, the mascot of Imagine Language and Literacy.

Posted on January 24, 2024March 8, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

January 24, 2024 6:00 am

Navigating Career Pathways: The Unseen Value of CTE Programs

Career and technical education (CTE) programs serve as a critical bridge for high school students, offering them the flexibility to pursue higher education, dive directly into the workforce with a competitive edge, or even explore and pivot away from career paths they find less aligned with their interests — saving them time and money while offering them boundless opportunities.

The Game of Life board game really made it seem like the choice between starting with college or starting with a career was the most important decision you could make. It was black or white — start with college and have a chance at a “good job” or start with career and have much fewer opportunities. (In reality, either option could lead to the coveted $100,000 salary… but don’t tell 8-year-old me that.)

While the board game’s ties to real life were flimsy, this fictitious dilemma brings up a real-world misconception: that after high school you could either go to college or start a low-skilled job. Luckily, career and technical education (CTE) courses add so many more choices for today’s graduates. CTE’s unique blend of practical learning, hands-on experience, and direct industry relevance equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.

The focused nature of CTE

The essence of CTE lies in its ability to tailor education to specific career paths, providing a clear, direct line from classroom learning to real-world application. This is a sentiment echoed by educators deeply embedded in the field. Connie Craven, a dedicated CTE teacher with Imagine School Services, highlights the focused nature of CTE courses: “I enjoy teaching CTE classes because they are more specific to a field or career rather than just a generalization. This can help students really see if that is a pathway they would want to pursue, saving them time and money in the future.”

“This can help students really see if that is a pathway they would want to pursue, saving them time and money in the future.”

Connie Craven

CTE Teacher, Imagine School Services

Craven’s observation underscores a crucial benefit of CTE — its capacity to help students make informed decisions about their futures, potentially averting unnecessary educational expenses and detours. This pragmatic approach to learning is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering a sense of direction and purpose. In fact, research shows that the average high school graduation rate of CTE concentrators (students who take more than one CTE course in the same field) is 96%, as compared to the national rate of 85%.

96%

High school graduation rate of CTE concentrators (students who take more than one CTE course in the same field)

Exploration and adaptability

CTE empowers students to explore a range of careers before making a significant commitment to a specific path. This exploration is invaluable, allowing students to discover what truly motivates them and what does not, thus saving time, money, and potential dissatisfaction in the long run. The adaptability and breadth of options available through CTE underscore its critical role in helping students carve out successful, fulfilling careers, whether that means further academic pursuits, immediate employment, or a completely new direction after gaining hands-on experience. Regardless of the path they choose, data shows that “eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on career and technical education (CTE) courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE.”

Kathy Colquitt, CTE teacher with Imagine School Services, shares her journey through the CTE landscape, from her initial spark of interest in international relations prompted by a teaching opportunity, to the internships and coursework that solidified her career path. “The CTE pathway helped me define my career and pursue degrees in business and international business,” Colquitt reflects. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of CTE, illustrating how targeted educational experiences can shape a student’s academic and professional trajectory.

Preparing for tomorrow’s careers

CTE courses stand apart from traditional education models by offering immersive, applied learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Colquitt elaborates on the unique offerings of CTE, stating, “CTE courses provide students with the ability to apply what they have learned within traditional courses into an environment that helps them explore their interests and further develop research and critical thinking skills.” This emphasis on application, coupled with the integration of ethical considerations, prepares students for the realities of the workplace in a way that traditional education often cannot.

Through its focus on specialized skills, practical experience, and direct industry relevance, CTE not only prepares students for the jobs of today but empowers them to shape the careers of tomorrow. As we look to the future, the role of CTE in fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing workforce readiness will undoubtedly continue to grow, making it an essential element of our collective educational strategy. So, instead of choosing between “start with college” and “start with career,” graduates leave high school on the right path for them.

Help students ignite their passions and find their paths

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Posted on January 23, 2024March 8, 2024 by Imagine Learning Corporate

January 23, 2024 8:00 am

Summer Learning: Put Students in the Driver’s Seat

Transform summer school from a chore to a launchpad for success. Discover four dynamic strategies to engage and motivate middle and high schoolers, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement on their educational journey back to school in the fall.

As summer rolls in, middle and high school students are often focused on sun, fun, and forgetting school even exists! That’s why summer school is a tough sell, even (and sometimes especially) for those students who must recover credits to graduate. So how do we get students excited about summer learning? Empower them with agency.

We know that summer school can get students back on track, maintain their momentum for fall, or get them ahead. Getting students to feel inspired by these possibilities requires them to feel a sense of responsibility for their own education. Here are four ways to give students ownership of their learning:

1. Help them understand the destination

If students can understand why they’re there and how this will benefit them, it will help with their motivation. Students want to know why they are tasked with an assignment — so whether they’re there to recover credits they missed during the school year, work on challenging concepts, or just trying to get ahead, once they know the destination, they can focus on achieving their goals.

2. Set up a roadmap

Once students understand their overall destination in summer school (credit recovery, concept recovery, getting ahead), they should set manageable goals that will be their roadmap to success. The key to this goal setting exercise is that they are easily attainable. For example, “I will work on my math course for two hours a day.” Once students begin to meet these goals, they will continue to be motivated and feel that their overall success is achievable.

3. Identify the checkpoints

Once goals are set, help students develop a system for checking in on their own progress. Help them understand the importance of checking in on their progress. This helps them establish ownership of their learning and ensure they are on track for course completion. Teachers and administrators often have their own goals for their students, but it is also important that students remain invested in their progress and learning as well.

4. Make time for celebration

Last, but most certainly not least, make sure to celebrate success along the way. While it is easy to celebrate the big milestones like completing a unit or course, those will be fewer and farther in between. If you wait for those big moments, students could begin to lose sight of the finish line. Making sure to celebrate things like completing a lesson or even just completing the time goal they set for that day can be a great way to ensure students celebrate themselves and feel that their effort is acknowledged.

From recovering last year’s English credits to revisiting algebra concepts in preparation for fall geometry, summer school success is going to look different for every student and classroom. But whatever the course, if students feel like they are the owners of their learning, that success will carry them through the academic year too.

Put Your Students in the Driver’s Seat this Summer

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About the Author – Alyssa Osorio

Alyssa Osorio is the Product Marketing Manager for Courseware at Imagine Learning. Prior to joining Imagine Learning, she was a 7^th and 8^th grade English Language Arts teacher and Subject Area Leader. In her time as an educator, she also worked in summer school and credit recovery positions with the goal of motivating and empowering students to take pride and ownership of their learning and success.

Posted on December 6, 2023December 11, 2023 by Imagine Learning Corporate

December 6, 2023 11:15 am

Innovating Computer Science to Close the Gender Gap

Imagine Robotify’s new advanced Python course furthers the program’s commitment to equity, engaging students in ways that close computer science’s gender gap.

Computer science education is on the rise, with several states adopting it as a high school graduation requirement so far. But even as it gains momentum nationwide, female students still lag behind their male peers in enrollment and persistence. This troubling gender gap emerges as early as elementary school, with girls reporting less confidence and interest in computer science compared to boys.

If current trends continue, the tech workforce will remain predominantly male.

teacher observing students working together

To build a more equitable future, we need creative solutions that empower all students to see themselves as capable computer scientists. A compelling computer science curriculum, designed intentionally to engage girls as much as boys, can help close persistent gender gaps.

That’s why Imagine Learning has added an exciting new advanced Python course to our supplemental computer science program, Imagine Robotify, expanding our library of scaffolded coding content for grades 3–8.

In the new course, students will learn to code an interactive robot named Flex. Their Python programs will help Flex support park rangers as they prepare for a prescribed burn in a nearby forest. Students use geometry, sensors, algorithms, and other key computer science concepts to locate animals, clear debris, and contain the burn area. Along the way, they’ll reinforce related math skills like the Pythagorean theorem.

With its interdisciplinary storyline and coding challenges, this course highlights how computer science enables creative problem-solving across subjects, and students get to pilot a relatable robot character, making computer science engaging, collaborative, and accessible.

The course reinforces the “4Cs” of 21st-century learning: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students develop perseverance and computational thinking as they refine their code. The real-world narrative promotes curiosity in science and sustainability, and by working to protect the forest and its inhabitants, students see how computing can positively impact communities and the planet.

An equitable computer science curriculum can inspire all students, especially girls, through innovation. That’s why, in addition to new courses like this one, Imagine Learning has completely redesigned the educator experience in Imagine Robotify: the instructional model provides more differentiated instruction, added supports for new computer science teachers, and built-in opportunities for unplugged activities to complement the coding experience.

Computer science education is gaining momentum, but persistent gaps remain when it comes to engaging female students. Compelling, cross-disciplinary computer science courses can help close these gaps, and high-quality curriculum and instruction will be key to driving broad, equitable engagement.

We’re excited to keep enhancing Imagine Robotify’s courses and teacher supports to promote equity and access, and we can’t wait for students to begin coding alongside Flex, developing computational thinking skills to take on real-world problems. As computer science education continues to expand, our commitment to quality curriculum and instruction for all learners only grows.

Bring coding to life in your classroom

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Posted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023 by Imagine Learning Corporate

November 27, 2023 7:40 am

Students Who Give: The Value of Charitable Giving for Children

Students embrace the opportunity to donate to charitable organizations when given the option through educational technology.

November is a month often associated with gratitude and giving. In fact, one report states that 37% of all giving happens during the last three months of the calendar year.

Many people view donating to nonprofit organizations or individuals in need as a way to help others, but research has also found that charitable giving is good for the giver. Individuals who donate to others report feeling happy, while charitable giving also makes us feel good about ourselves and others. Additionally, giving to others helps us find meaning and purpose while giving us a sense of connection to the world.

Children who perform acts of kindness reported a higher likelihood of social acceptance and academic achievement and developed empathy for others. Studies have found that even very young children are innately compassionate and giving. Additionally, members of Generation Z—nicknamed “Philanthroteens”—have even stronger feelings about giving as they are concerned with the planet and the world around them. However, children often do not have much to contribute in the way of money or gifts, leaving an opportunity for parents or other family members to demonstrate the value of giving time and talents by incorporating simple acts of service into family time. Schools and educators can also incorporate age-appropriate service projects into classroom time, such as knitting hats for children going through cancer treatments or visiting elderly patients in nursing homes. Additionally, organizations can help encourage generosity in children by making donations accessible and applicable to needs that relate to kids. All these factors may be why thirty percent of Generation Z have already donated to an organization.

Math Students Pay It Forward

At Imagine Learning, charitable giving is built directly into our digital education programs. Students earn points when they complete math lessons in Imagine Math, and these points can be used toward upgrading student avatars, achieving class goals, or cash donations to charitable causes.

It is amazing how often students donate points toward local food banks, victims of natural disasters, or other meaningful causes. Time and time again, Imagine Math students choose to give rather than personally benefit from their earned points.

Since the Imagine Learning charitable giving program began in 2008, students who have used Imagine Math have donated 3.9 trillion math points, completed more than 6.1 million math lessons, and worked through more than 195 million math problems for a total giving of $909,690. In 2023 alone, Imagine Math students donated $71,000 to a variety of organizations, such as The American Red Cross, No Kid Hungry, 4-H, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, as well as regional food banks across the country. This November, Imagine Learning students donated $5000 each to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that covers secondary education expenses for children of fallen special operations soldiers, and Feeding America.

“Since 2015, Imagine Learning’s amazing students’ participation in the yearly ‘Do Math! Support a Veteran’ campaign has provided over $47,000 for college scholarships for children who lost a Special Operations parent in the line of duty… We have over 1100 children to educate, and we are gaining more every year. We now support 198 college students. Imagine Math student contributions make a real impact for them.”

Retired Colonel Sean Corrigan

Executive Vice President for Special Operations Warrior Foundation

One of this year’s top-donating Imagine Math students, who gave their math points to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center during October for Anti-Bullying Month, was asked why they donated. The student, who attends Wilson Community School in Alpena Public School District in Michigan, responded, “I want bullying to stop.”

Christian C., a student at STEAM Academy Middle School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District of Missouri, was also a top donating Imagine Math student this year, giving his points to PACER’s. Christian says he donated his points to charity because, “I’m a social cause junkie. I love to give back.”

Akiles L. of Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary, Alvin Independent School District (ISD) in Texas 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.”

Aarush A. of Shirley Dill Brothers Elementary, Alvin ISD in Texas explained his “why” for donating Imagine Math points. “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.”

Teachers Witness the Benefits of Giving

Teachers also share that they love watching their students learn the joy of giving. Nathan Calcari, who teaches at STEAM Academy Middle School in Ferguson-Florissant School District, Missouri said, “I appreciate the [students’] generosity in giving up their hard-earned points to charity. This goes right along with the kindness piece of our school vision.”

Lisa Lubarsky, a teacher in Woodbridge Township School District in New Jersey shared, “I love that Imagine Math gives an opportunity for students to donate their Think Points. It is an added bonus to their hard work and efforts. Student choice is also a key component with many options for donations. When my students give money to charity, they are very proud!”

And, for the record, students are not donating their math points for notoriety. Only the child knows when they choose to give their points in Imagine Math. This tells us that students do not contribute to organizations for recognition; they donate because it feels good to help others.

In this day of selfies and social media, it is encouraging to see how the younger generation is inclined to help others in the world around them. With parents, educators, and organizations working to create opportunities to give and feel the benefits of giving, today’s children may become the most generous generation yet.

About the Author

Lisa Wise

Customer Engagement Manager at Imagine Learning

Lisa Wise has worked in the edtech industry for over 24 years, most recently as the Customer Engagement Manager at Imagine Learning. Lisa loves the opportunity to honor student achievement through engagement programs that get students excited about learning. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Lisa lives with her family, dog, and beautiful array of plants in Pittsburgh, PA. She loves sports, gardening, and visiting her local garden center.

Posted on November 9, 2023November 10, 2023 by Imagine Learning Corporate

November 9, 2023 4:58 pm

Five Key Moments from Imagine Simply Teaching

The Imagine Simply Teaching symposium was loaded with new perspectives and guidance. From student-led learning to AI ethics, experts illuminated best practices for creating dynamic digital classrooms.

The recent Imagine Learning virtual symposium was loaded with ready-to-use tips and new perspectives. As a leader in PreK–12 digital curricula, supplemental support, and virtual instruction, Imagine Learning hosted the jam-packed event, which gathered EdTech experts to share research, strategies, and inspiration for inspired teaching. From student-led learning to AI ethics, these specialists illuminated best practices for creating dynamic digital classrooms where every student – and teacher! – can thrive.

Want the download to tamper your FOMO? Here are five major moments from the symposium.

1. Ditch the burnout with sustainable workflows

Keynote speaker Dr. Catlin Tucker understands the educator burnout struggle is real. But it doesn’t have to be! This Apple Distinguished Educator guided attendees in a shift toward student-led learning. Let your tech handle the info delivery so you can focus on individual facilitation and relationships, flex those blended learning muscles to find your instructional flow, and, most importantly, share the responsibility with students so they own their learning. Embracing this new workflow can help lighten your load and keep your passion lit.

“We have to learn to share the responsibility with our students, or it’s nearly impossible to find a healthy balance.”

2. Rewrite the math story from “I can’t” to “I math”

Uncertain-looking high school teacher looking over their shoulder at their encouraging teacher

Deborah Peart believes everyone can tap into their inner mathiness. To do so, we need to check our own baggage. When teachers confront their own math trauma, they pave the way for students to forge positive math identities, too. Bring on the math joy: trade rote rules for collaborative concept development and ditch the math anxiety to foster a community where mistakes lead to growth, not shame. It all starts with reframing math as a life skill, not a gatekeeper.

“Mathers math. They can think creatively. They can share their ideas.”

“We have to learn to share the responsibility with our students, or it’s nearly impossible to find a healthy balance.”

Dr. Catlin Tucker

3. Let inquiry unleash critical thinking

Inquiry gets students vested in driving their own learning, says Dr. Kathy Swan. Her formula for inquiry success? Compelling questions + curated sources and authentic tasks. The benefits include skills like research, analysis, curiosity, and civic agency. Another perk is that it stretches learners of all ages when done developmentally. Whether debating Dr. King’s legacy or designing ways to save endangered species, inquiry taps curiosity to unlock critical thinking.

“By reinventing the wheel, we can improve performance, better tread, speed, durability.”

Group of high school students seated at their desks and surrounding an enthusiastic teacher

4. Code today to shape the AI future

Teacher sitting and talking in front of a high school classroom

The robots are coming! The robots are coming! Fortunately, with the right STEM skills, students can be the masters, not the minions. Adam Dalton makes the case for coding and the 4Cs – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity – as essentials to shaping the future. Virtual simulation platforms like Imagine Robotify turn coding into play, and when students code, create, and compete, it builds the problem-solving skills needed to drive innovation. AI can amplify human potential, but it needs engaged, ethical, STEM-savvy humans behind the tech.

“I am a big believer in teaching students how to use the forces of STEM to be ready for the AI future that is happening right now and tomorrow.”

5. Don’t fear the AI: guide students for good

ChatGPT got you tongue-tied? Deb Rayow says AI is here to help, not harm, student learning. First, lock down an academic integrity policy, then start prompts, pronto. It takes some practice, but ChatGPT can generate personalized lessons, leveled texts, and more with the right prompts. The key is maintaining human judgment – and teaching media literacy so students keep it real. They’ll need sharp skills to tell bot from human and fake news from facts. So, embrace the AI future! With ethics and empathy, our students can make this tech sing.

“Our job as educators is not just getting kids to complete courses. It’s to prepare them for the world that they’re graduating into.”

Elementary student working on laptop and high-fiving their teacher

The Imagine Learning symposium delivered inspired teaching topics from real talk on sustaining teacher engagement to getting AI-ready. Educators were motivated and empowered not just to survive the current and future landscape but to thrive in it.

Find recordings of the sessions, blogs, and speakers’ resources here.

Posted on November 3, 2023November 7, 2023 by Imagine Learning Corporate

November 3, 2023 7:00 am

The Science of Math Instruction: Incorporating Research-Based Instruction into Technology

Everyone’s talking about the science of reading, but what about mathematics? Take a look at agreed-upon best practices called cognitively-guided instruction, as well as technology that puts it into practice.

Teaching mathematics means more than introducing algorithms and procedures to students. Research shows that effective instruction also involves the development of a student’s conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

One research-based approach to mathematics instruction is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), as described in Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (Carpenter et al., 2014). CGI shifts an educator’s focus away from direct instruction and toward understanding an individual student’s mathematical thinking. The teacher then leverages this understanding as the foundation to guide the student toward increasingly complex concepts.

Now, as online programs gain popularity in today’s classrooms, schools have the opportunity to choose technology that not only supports students’ procedural fluency but also aligns with research-based principles to develop students’ conceptual understanding. By evaluating the technology we bring to students through the lens of a framework such as CGI, we can help ensure that students have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed beyond memorization.

What is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)?

CGI is an approach to teaching mathematics that focuses on students’ critical thinking and problem-solving. Instead of just showing students how to solve a problem, teachers guide students to explore strategies and approaches that make sense from their unique understanding of a situation. The following are just some of the principles of CGI, as highlighted in Children’s Mathematics (Carpenter et al., 2014).

Problem Solving: Students are encouraged to tackle problems using critical thinking and creativity before receiving direct instruction. Given a story problem anchored in a real-world context familiar to students (such as sharing a food item among friends), students reason using a strategy of their choice.
Teacher as a Facilitator: Teachers transition away from the role of traditional instructors and toward the role of facilitators. They listen to students’ strategies, pose thought-provoking questions, and steer discussions while providing opportunities for students to learn from their peers’ thought processes.
Building on Prior Knowledge: Students bring their experiences and understandings into the classroom. Teachers leverage each student’s prior knowledge as a foundation and layer new concepts on top of the ideas that students have already grasped.

Applying CGI to Online Learning

When designed with research-based principles in mind, online programs have the ability to increase accessibility to effective instruction. For example, the following characteristics of various online programs provide the flexibility to support CGI practices.

Adaptive Learning Environments: Adaptive learning environments powered by algorithms can provide students with a personalized learning experience that caters to their unique needs and preferences. By analyzing a student’s performance and feedback, online platforms can generate customized content tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This approach to learning aligns with CGI’s emphasis on personalized education, which recognizes that every student has a unique learning style and pace.
Virtual Manipulatives: Utilizing virtual tools, such as base-ten blocks, offers students an interactive experience to experiment with variables and visualize outcomes. This approach enables them to select the appropriate device that aligns with their current understanding and apply critical thinking and creativity to solve a given problem.
Real-world Problem Solving: Online platforms can offer practical problem-solving exercises that mirror real-life challenges. This approach aligns with cognitively guided instruction’s emphasis on applying mathematical concepts to everyday situations. By bridging the gap between theory and practical significance, students can gain a deeper, contextual understanding of mathematics and its relation to the world around them.

By incorporating CGI practices with online platforms’ capabilities, we can anchor each student’s learning experience in student-centered, data-driven instruction.

The Idaho Study: A Snapshot of Research-Based Technology in Action

Imagine Math ISAT Performance Research Brief

Read the Full Study

Imagine Math is one supplemental, personalized online program that incorporates the features highlighted above. It presents students with problems, equips them with virtual tools, and adapts its levels of support in response to students’ answers. “Imagine Math’s personalized learning platform aligns with each student’s needs while providing the right amount of challenge to help the student achieve grade-level proficiency,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning (New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math, 2023).

This year, a study was conducted to assess the impact of Imagine Math on students’ academic performance. The study analyzed over 4,000 math assessment scores from the Idaho State Assessment Test (ISAT) of students in grades 4 through 8. The assessment scores were taken from schools across four different districts in Idaho during the 2021-22 academic year. Key takeaways from the research include:

The relationship between Imagine Math lessons passed, and ISAT score growth is positive for all grades and statistically significant for grades 4 through 7.
Positive and significant relationships between Imagine Math lessons passed and ISAT math score growth for various student subgroups, including special education students, English learners, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and Hispanic/Latino or American Indian/Alaskan Native students.

These findings underscore the potential of platforms like Imagine Math that align with student-centered methodologies to enhance student outcomes.

The Future of Math Instruction

In today’s rapidly evolving society, education has significantly shifted due to technological advancements and a more comprehensive understanding of how individual students learn. By leveraging technology that incorporates research-based instruction, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience for students, leading to better academic outcomes and a more promising future.

About the Author – Erin Springer

Erin Springer is a former elementary school teacher who transitioned to supporting other teachers as a Professional Development Specialist at Imagine Learning. She is enthusiastic about helping teachers use educational technology to improve student outcomes, save time, and understand students’ needs.

Citations:

Carpenter, T. P., Fennema, E., Franke, M. L., Levi, L., & Empson, S. B. (2014). Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

Imagine Learning. (2023, June 20). New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math [Press release]. https://www.imaginelearning.com/press/study-reveals-significant-gains-student-math-performance-imagine-math/