New and Improved Skill Blocks Guide in Imagine Learning EL Education

Imagine Learning EL Education

April 2024

New and improved Skills Block Curriculum Guide

The newly updated Skills Block Curriculum Guide makes preparing for implementation easier than ever before!


This update includes a fresh new look and feel, new sections to provide clear learning pathways for new and returning teachers, improved navigation, enhanced research and design sections that highlight alignment to reading science research, and centralized key resources to help prepare for the year.

K-2-Reading-Foundations-Skills-Block Curriculum-Guide

New Letter Stories video series

K-2-Reading-Foundations-Skills-Block Curriculum-Guide

Get to know Anak, Watota, and Jeffi as they explore the world of letters and sounds, encountering a wild array of animals and experiences along the way.

In our brand-new Letter Stories video series, these engaging characters help reinforce letter names, sounds, and formations in students’ memories as they guess the identities of each creature or object. This series will contain videos for all vowel sounds and digraphs.

Check out the Letter “e” and “i” videos on our Learning Letters page and in Skills Block Kindergarten, Module 2, Cycle 11, Lesson 56 (for “e”) and Skills Block Kindergarten, Module 2, Cycle 6, Lesson 31 (for “i”). 

Imagine IM Inspire Math Videos Now Available in Spanish for Grades 6–8

Imagine EdgeEX

April 2024

Inspire Math videos now in Spanish

We are thrilled to share that the Inspire Math videos in grades 6–8 are now available in both English and Spanish!

These short, engaging videos showcase the math for each unit in a relevant and often unexpected real-world context to help spark student curiosity. You can find the Inspire Math videos linked within the sequence of lessons on a unit landing page.

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Brand New Letter Stories Video Series in Imagine Learning EL Education

Imagine Learning EL Education

April 2024

New Letter Stories video series

K-2-Reading-Foundations-Skills-Block Curriculum-Guide

Get to know Anak, Watota, and Jeffi as they explore the world of letters and sounds, encountering a wild array of animals and experiences along the way.

In our brand-new Letter Stories video series, these engaging characters help reinforce letter names, sounds, and formations in students’ memories as they guess the identities of each creature or object. This series will contain videos for all vowel sounds and digraphs.

Check out the letter “e” and “i” videos on our Learning Letters page and in Skills Block Kindergarten, Module 2, Cycle 11, Lesson 56 (for “e”) and Skills Block Kindergarten, Module 2, Cycle 6, Lesson 31 (for “i”). 

Improving the efficacy of your Imagine Robotify implementation

Imagine EdgeEX

April, 2024

Improving the efficacy of your Imagine Robotify implementation

To help support the health of your Imagine Robotify implementation and recognize the most return on your investment in this supplemental computer science program, we continue to update and enhance our Help Center with actionable ideas: 

Live Teacher Updates for Imagine Math 3+

Imagine EdgeEX

April, 2024

New Printable Resources 

We’ve added a suite of English and Spanish printable resources in Imagine Math Teacher Resources under the “Live Teaching” category filter to support student success in working with Imagine Math Live Teachers. Learn more about Imagine Math Live Teachers in the Imagine Math Help Center, including student-facing how-to videos and more!  

New Operating Hours for 2024-25 

Live Teaching will have updated operating hours for the 2024-25 school year.*

Imagine Math Live Teaching Hours 2024-25  (All times local) 

Monday–Friday: 8:00am–10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am–4:00pm
Sunday: 6:00pm–10:00pm 

*Live Teaching hours for the current 2023-24 school year can be found in the Imagine Math Help Center. 

Imagine EdgeEX Teacher and Student Experience Enhancements

Imagine EdgeEX

April, 2024

View standards covered in lessons

Educators and students in Imagine EdgeEX can view standards covered in lessons. This update allows teachers to understand what skills are covered in the lessons and gives students deeper insight into the objectives of their lessons.

New Progress Overview page for students

Students can now view a new Progress Overview page from their Course Map. This page provides students with detailed information about their course progress in an easy-to-understand way.

Answer Explanations now available for math assessments

Answer Explanations are now available for math assessments. These explanations are available to students after they have completed an assessment attempt and to teachers via the “Show Answers” toggle.

April 15, 2024 10:32 am

Imagine Learning Unveils Traverse Explorer, Empowering Students and Educators with Free Digital Social Studies Lessons

Offering Provides Equitable Access to Verified Digital Content to Inspire Civic Engagement for Grades 6–12

Scottsdale, AZ – April 15, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital curriculum solutions serving over 15 million students and one million educators, today announced the launch of Traverse Explorer, which provides free access to relevant lessons from their highly-anticipated, breakthrough core social studies curriculum. Traverse Explorer serves timely and grade-appropriate digital content directly to teachers and is designed to inspire students to become engaged and informed citizens. This free resource addresses the critical need for easily accessible and verified digital social studies lessons for millions of educators and students across the U.S.

“To foster a thriving democracy, it’s imperative that we cultivate an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to both understand and actively participate in the systems that govern our society,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of Imagine Learning. “For too long, the education system has de-emphasized the importance of social studies and civics for students, often citing a lack of resources and competing priorities. Traverse Explorer is designed to address this gap by offering educators equitable access to digital curriculum, fostering critical thinking and inquiry skills essential for every student to become an active and educated citizen.” At this week’s ASU+GSV summit in San Diego, California, the topic will be discussed during a panel moderated by Factor titled “Civic Engagement in an Uncivilized Climate.”

A previous study by MRD Education found that teachers spend an average of seven hours per week searching for instructional materials and another five hours creating their own. Social studies resources, in particular, are challenging to find, with a RAND American Teacher Panel Insights Report stating that “most teachers reported a need for better civics instructional resources.” Streamlining teachers’ workloads is crucial, especially as the teacher shortage crisis worsens due to political polarization in education.

Designed to empower educators and inspire civic engagement in 6–12 grade students, Traverse Explorer:

  • Is supported by Imagine Learning’s standards-backed, inquiry-based curriculum, Traverse, and aligns with the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework.
  • Consists of lessons that contain multimedia materials, reliable sources, and collaborative learning activities designed to provoke thoughtful analysis and student engagement.
  • Engages students with compelling topics linking social studies to current events and practical knowledge, such as voting procedures and financial literacy.
  • Lessons will be derived from the five Traverse curriculum categories: U.S. History, World History, Government, Geography, and Economics.
  • Lessons will be timed to coincide with significant periods such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and election season.

“When crafting the Traverse curriculum, we recognized the transformative potential of digital, inquiry-based content grounded in current events, coupled with the ability to quickly update the resources as new developments unfold. Traverse Explorer represents a significant opportunity to disseminate this wealth of knowledge to as many students as possible, revolutionizing social studies across the nation,” said Dr. Kathy Swan, Ph.D., Professor of Social Studies at the University of Kentucky and curriculum author of Traverse.

Traverse Explorer will launch in June 2024 with five inaugural free lessons about Federalism and the U.S. Highway System (U.S. History), Commerce in Asia (World History), Using Cash versus Credit (Economics), First Time Voting (U.S. Government), and the Effects of El Niño (World Geography). New lessons will be made available monthly. For more information regarding Traverse Explorer and to sign up to be notified as soon as it is available, visit https://www.imaginelearning.com/traverse-explorer/.

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. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig® Science, and Traverse®. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity® is our flagship courseware solution, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: www.imaginelearning.com

Media Contact:

Katie Russo, ThroughCo Communications

krusso@throughco.com

501-282-5069

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.

imagine purpose prep

“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

The 4Cs of STEM Critical Thinking

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.

Tell me more

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.

April 8, 2024 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Launches AI-Enhanced Tutoring to Meet Demand for Personalized Support

AI-Driven Tutoring Tailored to Each Student’s Level and Interests

Scottsdale, Arizona – April 08, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital curriculum solutions, serving over 15 million students and one million educators, today announced the release of its AI-enabled tutoring platform. This latest development marks a significant step toward Imagine Learning’s goal of incorporating AI throughout its product portfolio and underscores its dedication to leveraging AI to enhance opportunity and access for every learner.

“At Imagine Learning, we firmly believe that embracing AI doesn’t replace human intelligence, it enhances it,” said Jonathan Grayer, CEO of Imagine Learning. “Rooted in this conviction, we’re confident that integrating AI will fuel purpose-driven learning and empower each student to unlock their full potential. Our new AI-enabled tutoring platform will deliver measurable impact to our students and allow us to meet the educational challenges we face today.”

A report published by Georgetown University in January 2024, titled “Learning Curve: Lessons from the Tutoring Revolution in Public Education,” highlights the positive impact of personalized tutoring within K–12 education and the critical need to deploy it at scale to meet the significant portion of students lacking sufficient academic support. Imagine Learning’s platform bridges this gap through key features like:

  • AI-enhanced tutoring with human guidance: Imagine Learning’s AI-driven communication system enables real-time, on-demand tutoring support accessible anytime, anywhere — adjusting to each student’s learning level, interests, and preferred language — to promote an interactive educational space. Alongside our AI capabilities, human tutors play a crucial role in guiding and enhancing the learning experience. They review AI recommendations and feedback, ensuring accuracy and relevance. This blend of AI efficiency with educator expertise highlights our commitment to a balanced, human-in-the-loop approach to personalized learning.
  • Interactive learning through AI-powered teaching: this feature allows students to play the role of teacher and explain concepts. This engaging interaction boosts learner knowledge and hones communication skills. By asking targeted questions and seeking clarifications, the AI-powered companion adjusts to the student’s explanations to foster a nurturing space for learning through teaching.

“The tutoring solution has the ability to transform learning for our students,” said Kinsey Rawe, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Courseware & School Services. “With personalized support and an engaging experience, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in performance and motivation.”

The AI-enabled tutoring platform is set to enhance a range of Imagine Learning’s offerings, including Imagine Edgenuity®, Imagine EdgeEX, Imagine MyPath®, and Imagine Math®, and is currently being piloted within Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics. This integration marks another significant milestone in Imagine Learning’s journey toward leading educational innovation, utilizing technology to support a future-ready generation.

Imagine Learning is committed to leveraging generative AI to support educators and enhance the educational experience of students. These advances are made with a deep commitment to ethical standards, focusing on protecting privacy, ensuring fairness, and creating an unbiased learning environment.

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. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig® Science, and Traverse®. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity® is our flagship courseware solution, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: www.imaginelearning.com