May 23, 2024 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Wins Two 2024 SIIA CODiE Awards

Imagine Math® and Twig® Science Earn Prestigious Industry Recognition

Tempe, Arizona – May 22, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S., won two 2024 SIIA CODiE Awards for Imagine Math and Twig Science.The prestigious CODiE Awards recognize the companies producing the most innovative education technology products across the country and around the world.

“This achievement is made possible by our outstanding development teams dedicated to creating high-quality educational solutions. We also share this honor with our invaluable school partners who play an essential role in our mission to empower learners and teachers. Together, we celebrate this recognition as evidence of our continued collaboration and innovation” shared Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer for Imagine Learning. “Both Imagine Math and Twig Science have undergone rigorous evaluation and consistently demonstrated significant improvements in student outcomes. Our commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that our solutions not only meet but exceed educational standards, providing measurable benefits for students and educators.”

Imagine Learning 2024 SIIA CODiE Award Winners:

Imagine Math — Winner: Best PK/Early Childhood Learning Solution

Imagine Math combines a rich curriculum with fun, adaptive, digital learning to help students gain confidence as they master grade-level learning. This dynamic solution provides age-appropriate and engaging learning environments ideal as a practice and enrichment supplement to standards-based instruction. For grades PreK–Geometry.

Twig Science — Winner: Best Science Instructional Solution for Grades PK–8

Twig Science provides comprehensive coverage of science standards through engaging hands-on and digital investigations where Pre-K–8 students take on the roles of real-world scientists and engineers. Written to the Next Generation Science Standards, it challenges all students to become creative problem solvers, making sense of real-world phenomena.

“The winners of the 2024 Education Technology CODiE Awards represent the pinnacle of creativity and excellence in providing products and services that connect diverse learners with educational resources and instructors. We are thrilled to honor this year’s recipients — the elite in their field — who offer solutions to crucial challenges in education today. Heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s CODiE Award victors!” says Chris Mohr, President of the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA).

SIIA announced the 2024 CODiE winners during a virtual ceremony awarding products and services deployed specifically for education and learning professionals. The SIIA CODiE Award process involves rigorous reviews by expert judges, including educators and administrators, whose evaluations determine the finalists. SIIA members then vote on the finalists, and the scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners.

About the SIIA CODiE Awards

Since 1986, thousands of products, services, and solutions have been recognized for achieving excellence. The CODiEs are different from other tech awards: it is not a participation award; it is earned. SIIA’s unique Expert Review process provides tremendous value for each nominee. Each nomination receives a detailed review, pursuant to category-specific criteria, by two expert judges with a live demo that provides real-time Q&A and comments during the first round. Finalists’ products receive a second round and peer review by industry leaders. Even nominees that don’t win get valuable feedback on possible areas of product improvement. For more information, visit siia.net/CODiE.

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions fueled by insights from educators, working alongside educators to support 15 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: https://www.imaginelearning.com.

Imagine Edgenuity Academic Integrity Update: Now Blocking User Scripts 

Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

Academic integrity update in Imagine Edgenuity

Imagine Edgenuity is now taking proactive steps to block user scripts. When a script is detected, students are automatically logged out and the action is noted in the Recent Actions Log as “UserScript Detected — Logged Out.”

This change also blocks any browser extensions that write to our system. Students with blocked browser extensions must uninstall them to continue using the program. If you have a student who uses a necessary extension that is being blocked, please contact our support team so we can enable that extension for your student. 

Imagine EdgeEX Assessment Updates: Untimed, Reduce Number of Questions

Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

New assessment customization options in Imagine EdgeEX

Educators can now give untimed assessments and reduce the number of questions in assessments. These settings are accessible from the student profile and apply to all Imagine EdgeEX courses. 

New Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts Reset Procedures for Back-to-School 2024

Imagine EdgeEX
Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

Improved Reset Procedures for Back-to-School 2024

The Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts teams have improved the reset process for Back-to-School 2024: 

  • Educators can now view the date their products will reset for the new school year   
  • District administrators can change the assigned date to a preferred date 

For more details, visit this Help Center article.   

Printable Vocabulary Word Lists for Imagine Math

Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

Practice key math vocabulary terms with new printable word lists

Based on educator feedback, Imagine Math has added printable vocabulary word lists. With these printable lists for grades 3+, students will be able to practice key math vocabulary terms using the word, its definition, and an explanatory image. Educators can find the printable word lists for grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 in Teacher Resources under “Vocabulary Lists.”

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Enhancements to “I Can” Statements Color-Coding in Twig Science Elementary

Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

Enhancements to “I Can” Statements Color-Coding in Twig Science Elementary

The “I Can” statements in Twig Science Elementary have now been color-coded in the digital platform to match the color coding in the print books. “I Can” statements appear at the top of every Full and Fast Track lesson in the student digital experience in both English and Spanish.

This enhancement helps students (and teachers) identify their “I Can” statements easily between their print and digital resources. 

Printable Lesson Instructions Now Available in Twig Science Elementary

Imagine EdgeEX

May 2024

Printable Lesson Instructions Now Available in Twig Science Elementary 

Educators can now print the lesson instructions for the Full Course, Fast Track, and Leveled Reader lessons in Twig Science Elementary.  

May 22, 2024 6:00 am

How to Reimagine Summer School for Holistic Recovery

Published by: District Administration

To address learning gaps and support holistic educational recovery, school districts can reimagine summer school programs by leveraging remaining ESSER funds to design personalized learning experiences, integrating mental health and SEL support, utilizing adaptive learning technologies, providing professional development for teachers, and engaging families.

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May include subscriber-only content

May 21, 2024 9:05 am

Driving Student Inquiry

Teachers spend a lot of their own time finding the right resources to connect with every student. We know it’s a time-consuming task, especially with everything else on their plates. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) lighten the load, helping ensure consistent, engaging lessons while giving teachers back some much-needed time.

High-Quality Instructional Materials in Traverse

What Are HQIM?

There’s no doubt that effective teaching is incredibly important for student outcomes. According to RAND, educators have the highest impact on student achievement compared to “any other aspects of schooling.” But over the last decade, a growing body of research has also linked positive student outcomes to HQIM.

But what are HQIM? Generally, HQIM are recognized as materials that are aligned to state standards and include evidence-based strategies, inclusive practices, and embedded teacher support.

The Impact of HQIM in Social Studies

With the criteria for identifying HQIM within social studies only recently defined, the challenges related to a lack of such materials are particularly apparent. Compared to disciplines such as science, math, and ELA, social studies has been severely undervalued and underfunded — creating a deep-rooted problem. Without solid state- and local-level infrastructure for social studies, teachers have largely been left to their own devices, essentially building their own curriculum. The Fordham Institute reports that up to 79% of social studies teachers find instructional materials from various sources online or create their own — with only 16% using a state-issued textbook.

While there’s no doubt that teachers — and the expertise they bring — are essential to positive learning outcomes, curriculum materials also matter. Study after study supports that HQIM benefit both students and teachers. Think about it, a great chef still needs quality ingredients — and providing teachers with well-structured, standards-aligned materials enables them to spend more time engaging with their students and providing customized learning experiences, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

How Does Traverse Meet Key HQIM Criteria?

Definitions of HQIM vary, but at their core they share vital components. At Imagine Learning, all of our core programs are designed to deliver key benchmarks for HQIM.

1. Standards-Aligned Content

The C3 (College, Career, and Civic Life) Framework, introduced by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), created a shift in social studies instruction. With an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and the development of critical thinking, the C3 Framework prioritizes deeper understanding and application of skills — empowering students to become active participants in their learning.


Traverse maximizes student learning through content aligned to the C3 Framework and state standards, with reading, inquiry, and research skills woven into and revisited throughout the curriculum. The result? A standards-aligned program that empowers teachers to approach instruction with confidence.

2. Best-Practice Pedagogy

Traverse is built on a unique instructional model driven by inquiry — as emphasized in the C3 Framework — with inquiry tasks developed in collaboration with renowned educators Kathy Swan and Sam Wineburg. This approach empowers students to use their curiosity as fuel for critical thinking and problem-solving and encourages them to actively engage in the learning process.

3. Equity and Inclusion

Every classroom is unique and every student has the right to thrive and feel represented in their learning materials. That’s why Traverse was designed to support differentiation and help create an equitable learning environment, with:

  • Content that undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure quality and accuracy
  • Diverse representation of identities, experiences, and authorship
  • Automatic leveled scaffolds and differentiation for English language learners, approaching readers, and beyond-grade-level learners
  • Digital accessibility measures, including leveled narrative text, audio read-aloud with speed control, line reader, annotation tools, and more
  • Comprehensive pacing and planning resources

4. Teacher and Student Experience

Traverse is a modern social studies curriculum designed for flexible implementation, with powerful customization features and tools to support teachers and students. Its dynamic and responsive learning experiences reflect the needs of the post-pandemic classroom — built to engage today’s students through a variety of high-quality resources:

  • Innovative, absorbing video formats
  • More than 1,500 written, oral, and visual primary and secondary sources
  • Powerful digital tools — including 3D objects, interactive maps, flipbooks, and more
  • Collaborative learning activities allowing for exploration of questions in a whole-group setting

5. Measuring Student Learning

Assessment is an integral part of effective instruction — it enables teachers to ascertain whether goals are being met and whether it is necessary to remediate instruction. Traverse features a robust assessment cycle — including formative and summative assessments — and embedded real-time data provide multiple opportunities to monitor student progress.

6. Professional Learning

HQIM alone aren’t enough to improve student outcomes. Teachers need to feel supported in using and delivering the materials through robust teacher support and by participating in ongoing, personalized professional learning.

Teacher Support

Traverse’s digital platform offers comprehensive teacher support, designed to be at point of use and chunked into sections for ease of use. These include:

  • A pop-out digital teacher edition
  • Pacing and planning support for each unit and chapter
  • Reading comprehension and source analysis strategies

Implementation Support

Traverse partners with districts to ensure teachers utilize the program in the most effective way. These inquiry-based sessions can be delivered in-person, online, synchronously, or asynchronously, and are designed to be collaborative.

Discover Imagine Classroom

An innovative portfolio of core curricula designed to inspire inquiry-based learning and deepen student engagement.

Tell me more

May 21, 2024 9:04 am

Building Conceptual Understanding and Habits of Mind in Mathematics

Teachers spend a lot of their own time finding the right resources to connect with every student. We know it’s a time-consuming task, especially with everything else on their plates. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) lighten the load, helping ensure consistent, engaging lessons while giving teachers back some much-needed time.

High-Quality Instructional Materials in Imagine IM

What Are HQIM?

As educators and districts recognize the critical role curriculum plays alongside effective teaching, the focus on HQIM has intensified nationally. A growing body of research points at one thing: instructional materials directly impact student outcomes (Kane et al., 2016). But the reality is, not all teachers have access to HQIM or the professional development and support to implement these resources effectively.

But what are HQIM? Generally, HQIM are recognized as materials that are aligned to state standards and include evidence-based strategies, inclusive practices, and embedded teacher support. And when it comes to nurturing positive math identities — the demand for engaging resources has never been higher.

The Impact of HQIM in Math

The truth is, math not only prepares students for future careers; it also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for everyday life. Recent research shows significant shortcomings in math education, underscoring the urgent need for materials that address learning gaps and prepare students for the complexities of modern careers. 

There’s no question that teachers’ expertise is crucial to boosting student outcomes, but mounting evidence shows that materials do matter, with EdReports revealing that only 41% of math materials fully meet standards. Fortunately, we can reverse this trend by giving teachers access to resources that exemplify the principles of HQIM in math.

Verified HQIM

Imagine IM scores “All Green” on EdReports

Illinois Success Story

CCSD59 wanted a problem-based curriculum that was accessible for all students. The result? Significant gains in math proficiency with Imagine IM.

Digital-Forward Tools and Features

An instructional experience that leverages the power of digital tools and problem-based curricula.

How Does Imagine IM Meet Key HQIM Criteria?

Definitions of HQIM vary, but at their core they share vital components. At Imagine Learning, all of our core programs are designed to deliver key benchmarks for HQIM.

1. Standards-Aligned Content

There’s no doubt about it — standards-aligned materials give all students the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to progress academically and move into future careers.

Math educators can enjoy peace of mind with Imagine IM, an enhanced IM v.360 program that’s fully aligned with Common Core and state math standards. Given that Illustrative Mathematics CEO and cofounder Bill McCallum was a lead writer of the Common Core State Standards, the curriculum’s adherence to these benchmarks is especially robust and well-founded.

2. Best-Practice Pedagogy

Research-based instruction helps teachers meet the diverse learning needs of their students. Whether through the use of manipulatives or real-world problem-solving, research-based strategies make math easier and improve performance.

That’s why Imagine IM has a problem-based instructional framework that helps structure lessons so students are the ones engaging in mathematics. Activities and routines give teachers opportunities to see what students already know, what they can notice, and what they can figure out before they have concepts and procedures explained to them. 

To support student understanding, Imagine IM integrates three key aspects of mathematical rigor: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and the application of these skills to solve mathematical problems. The result? Students emerge more confident, ready to tackle complex challenges.

3. Equity and Inclusion

In a time when math proficiency is declining, it’s vital that we give every student an equal shot at success. Imagine IM is designed with three key principles in mind to support all learners:

  • Providing access for everyone
  • Presuming competence
  • Providing a strength-based approach

The program emphasizes endurance and perseverance through carefully crafted structures that address the complexity of contexts, numbers, and computations, accommodating different levels of understanding in complex mathematical contexts. Comprehensive supports for multilingual learners ensures all materials are inclusive and unbiased, representing a wide range of cultural identities.

4. Teacher and Student Experience

Imagine IM provides an unparalleled IM v.360 resource for both teachers and students, offering enhanced materials designed to support educators in planning and conducting lessons across diverse instructional settings. With a premium classroom solution tailored specifically to their needs, teachers can refine their skills as facilitators with high-quality, point-of-use supports that streamline their workflow and offer valuable implementation guidance. Exclusive print versions of Teacher Guides and Student Workbooks are seamlessly integrated with digital components, ensuring the integrity of Illustrative Mathematics content in any classroom model.

The curriculum’s instructional routines establish frameworks that enable all students to actively participate in mathematical discussions, fostering fluency in digital tools, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication of reasoning. Through rigorous problem-based design and engaging resources, Imagine IM cultivates a supportive community where students of all backgrounds can build confidence and acquire skills applicable throughout their academic journey, careers, and beyond.

5. Measuring Student Learning

Imagine IM offers opportunities for both formative and summative assessment that empower teachers to measure student understanding and progress toward learning goals. 

Teachers are equipped to monitor student progress through digital task statements, section checkpoints, and cool-downs. These provide real-time feedback and data to inform instructional decisions. 

Digital assessments allow students to access, record, and submit their questions and answers for a variety of technology-enhanced item types including multiple choice, multiple select, drag-and-drop, cloze, graphing, labeling, constructed response, short essay, and drawing types.

6. Professional Learning

Simply selecting HQIM isn’t enough. Teachers need robust professional learning to support their use in the classroom — that’s why professional learning is a crucial pillar of HQIM.

Imagine IM does more than just introduce educators to the curriculum — it equips them with the tools for implementation success. Virtual and in-person professional learning options meet diverse needs, while the digital platform offers ongoing self-directed professional development, plus insightful narrative and lesson example videos.

  • Year one: Focus on building teachers’ understanding of problem-based math instruction, helping them master both print and digital resources and establishing effective classroom routines.
  • Year two: Training emphasizes capacity building and specialization, enabling teachers to fully leverage specialized features and refine their instructional strategies.
  • Year three and onwards: The focus shifts to sustaining and enriching these practices, ensuring continued engagement and effectiveness.

Discover Imagine Classroom

An innovative portfolio of core curricula designed to inspire inquiry-based learning and deepen student engagement.

Tell me more