Refreshed Course in Imagine Robotify: “SRVO’s Drone Park” and Usage Report Enhancements

March 2024

NEW! Re-released “SRVO’s Drone Park” course

Exciting news! “SRVO’s Drone Park” was released on March 14. This is a refresh of one of our original courses, “Drone Park.” This course update features an all-new 3D design and improved educator resources (including worksheets, vocabulary, extension activities, and more). Instructional content has not changed, so students working on the course still have access to the same lessons. This course is short at only 15-30 minutes per lesson, so it is the perfect summer school or “Hour of Code” activity. You can find these resources in Educator Resources under Educator Home.

Watch this short video of all the enhancements to learn more

Usage report improvements

To maximize the usability of the Imagine Robotify usage report, we have implemented various improvements: better filters, the ability to run the report for multiple classrooms at once, label changes to the axes of the graphs, and the ability to name the report with a custom title and save it to your own computer.

Head over to this Help Center article for all the details

Teacher Dashboard Improvements in Twig Science Elementary and Middle School

March 2024

Twig Science Elementary — Enhancements to the teacher dashboard

We’ve made changes to the scrolling grade display to improve tablet and mobile phone usability.

Teachers can now easily navigate to their chosen grade on all devices.

Twig Science Middle School — Now available: assign lessons to multiple classes

Twig Science Middle School educators can now assign or share lessons to multiple classes at once from the Lesson Explorer, making lesson and assignment management more seamless and efficient.

March 5, 2024 6:00 am

Imagine Learning and eDynamic Learning Expand Long-Term Partnership to Provide More Students with Career and College Readiness Solutions 

eDynamic Learning, the leader in K–12 college and career readiness solutions, today announced Imagine Learning as the primary third-party reseller of eDynamic Learning courseware

Southlake, Texas and Scottsdale, Arizona – March 4, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the United States, and eDynamic Learning, the leader in K–12 college and career readiness solutions, today announced Imagine Learning as the primary third-party reseller of eDynamic Learning courseware.  

As part of this expanded long-term partnership, Imagine Learning will reach more students and districts where career and college readiness courses may not be readily available, allowing students to pursue a large range of interests in language arts, creative arts, STEM, and career and technology education (CTE). With these courses, students are encouraged to explore new education areas and develop critical skills to prepare them for further education or employment in their field of choice. 

“Empowering students to explore their passions and develop essential skills for success in the modern workforce is a top priority at Imagine Learning,” said Kinsey Rawe, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Courseware and School Services at Imagine Learning. “As we continue to identify ways to provide equitable access to quality education for more students nationwide, we are proud to have eDynamic Learning as our partner.” 

Available for middle and high school students, eDynamic Learning courses help to expand a school’s course catalog, engage students in exciting and emerging career areas, and prepare students for certification exams by offering an additional 180 career-ready and elective courses and more than 40 full CTE pathways. eDynamic Learning’s suite of electives is seamlessly integrated with the Imagine Learning platform making it easy to access both solutions for students, teachers, and administrators.

“We are always looking to reach more students, especially those who may not traditionally have access to career and college readiness courses, to ensure they have the educational resources necessary to succeed in the workforce,” said Jerry Wooden, CEO of eDynamic Learning. “Our expanded partnership with Imagine Learning brings two leaders in education together with an offering that cannot be matched by any other digital curriculum provider. We are looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with a leader in education.” 

Additional information about the full range of eDynamic Learning courses Imagine Learning offers can be found here. 

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: imaginelearning.com.  

About eDynamic Learning  

eDynamic Learning is the K–12 publishing industry’s largest provider of college and career readiness solutions, established with a mission of helping students find their passion and preparing them with the knowledge and skills to make life-shaping decisions. eDynamic Learning offers award-winning courseware for grades 5–12, with more than 250 career-focused electives and career technical education courses. eDynamic Learning is also the leading provider of simulation-based educational content, with over one-third of all U.S. high schools using the Knowledge Matters-Virtual Business line of simulations. 

Automatic plagiarism and AI detection now available in Imagine Edgenuity

February, 2024

New features available via Academic Integrity Add-On

Automatic plagiarism and AI detection is now available in Imagine EdgeEX for both short writing and essay activities for any customer with the Academic Integrity Add-On.

Learn more

Updated “Printables” Table of Contents in Imagine Math

February 2024

Updated “Printables” table of contents

The table of contents documents make offline practice even easier to access with links to every “Printable” resource.

Student Motivation System Now Live in Imagine Robotify

February, 2024

Keep your computer science students engaged!

Our brand-new Imagine Robotify motivation system rewards virtual achievement badges for completing tasks, engaging with the platform, completing projects, and participating in competitions.

There are also exclusive badges when students log in during certain astronomical or calendar events. Encourage your students to explore and engage, be creative with code, and use the motivation system to reward their progress!

February 27, 2024 6:00 am

Imagine Español Meets ESSA Evidence Standard

Evidence for ESSA’s review of Imagine Español research indicates promising evidence of program effectiveness

Scottsdale, Arizona – February 22, 2024 – A research study from Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S., received an ESSA Promising rating from Evidence for ESSA for measuring the impact of the Imagine Español learning solution on Spanish language acquisition and proficiency for Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) students.

The study, Impact Evaluation of Imagine Español in a Large Southwest School District, was designed to meet the qualifications of Tier 3 Promising evidence of effectiveness as defined by the Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA) and demonstrates the significant impact Imagine Español has on Spanish language acquisition and proficiency.

“We’re pleased to see the research on Imagine Español students recognized by Evidence for ESSA,” shared Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Supplemental Programs at Imagine Learning. “For students at such a young age, authentic and culturally relevant language instruction is vital to ensure students are learning effectively. We are honored to receive a Promising ranking and high honor.”

Imagine Learning partnered with a large Texas school district to evaluate how participation in Imagine Español impacted Pre-K student achievement in Spanish language acquisition and proficiency. In total, 3,347 Pre-K students who used the Imagine Español program were compared to 554 students who did not use the Imagine Español program. Pre-K students who used Imagine Español averaged 11 hours on the program and completed an average of 24 program lessons during the 2020–2021 school year.

This study was conducted retrospectively using data from the 2020–2021 school year. It evaluated the difference in Spanish language acquisition between students who used Imagine Español and students who did not use Imagine Español. Results show that, on average, students who used Imagine Español scored over 16 points higher on the Spring 2021 administration of the CIRCLE Progress Monitoring in Spanish assessment than did academically and demographically similar comparison students. This difference was both statistically significant and practically significant as it underscores students’ achievements with Imagine Español’s authentic Spanish language arts curriculum.

Read the full study here.

Evidence for ESSA vets educational research through rigorous review “to provide clear and authoritative information on programs that meet the ESSA evidence standards and enable educators and communities to select effective educational tools to improve student success.” Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 as the federal law governing K–12 education. Within the bill are stipulations supporting the use of federal dollars on educational programs with evidence of effectiveness.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, fueled by insights from educators, that evolve with the ever-changing demands of tomorrow. We work alongside educators to support over 15 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Twig Science^®, Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics^®, and Imagine Learning EL Education^®. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with insightful and personalized instruction for literacy in English and Spanish, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^®is our flagship courseware solution, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more at www.imaginelearning.com.

Imagine Español

Imagine Español^® is a personalized, culturally respectful, supplemental Spanish language arts solution for emerging bilingual learners through grade 5. Designed to celebrate the Spanish language and culture, it explicitly teaches students the foundational skills essential to bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competency.

February 26, 2024 9:00 am

Districts Call for Guidance in Developing Classroom AI Policies

Published by: eSchool News

Without federal regulation and few states guiding AI use, 47 percent of districts nationwide plan to develop their own AI policies

Read Full Article

May include subscriber-only content

January 30, 2024 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Opens 2024 Funding Cycle for Signature Grant Program

Embarks on Year Three of $5 Million Campaign to Fund Nonprofits Dedicated to Supporting Student Well-Being Outside of the Classroom 2024 Emphasis on Chronic Absenteeism and Student Homelessness Crisis

Scottsdale, Arizona – January 30, 2024 – Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative created by Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the United States, announced today the opening of the 2024 funding cycle for its Imagine Signature Grant program. Founded in 2022, ILF is entering the third year of its $5 million grant campaign and will award $400,000 or more in Imagine Signature Grants in 2024 to organizations dedicated to ILF’s mission of supporting the well-being of learners outside of the classroom, either at home or in their communities.

This year, ILF will place a special emphasis on sponsoring initiatives aimed at addressing both chronic absenteeism and the student homelessness crisis that are affecting students nationwide. These pressing issues were highlighted earlier this month in a statement by the Biden-Harris Administration announcing that increasing attendance is a key focus of their Improving Student Achievement Agenda in 2024. Chronic absenteeism, particularly for children experiencing homelessness, has severe consequences for learning, emotional well-being, stability, and future outcomes through a student’s life. According to the National Center for Homeless Education’s December 2023 report, over 1.2 million students identified as experiencing homelessness and approximately 52% were chronically absent during school year 2021-2022.

While ILF will prioritize funding to organizations working to support the needs of homeless students, ILF will also consider projects from other eligible entities aligned with ILF’s mission for the Imagine Signature Grant program.

“We are excited to enter our third year of continued financial commitment to invest in this critically important work across the communities we serve,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Learning. “We have empirical evidence that students who receive devoted support, attention, and care outside of the classroom flourish academically and grow into vibrant members of society. However, none of that is possible without a safe and secure place to call home for each student. We are dedicated to combating the chronic student homelessness crisis and look forward to funding those programs that demonstrate an unwavering determination to transcend traditional learning environments with innovative solutions that improve students’ overall mental and physical well-being. We can’t wait to see the applicants for this grant cycle.”

The 2024 Imagine Signature Grant program will award grants to eligible applicants dedicated to any of these funding priorities:

2024 Funding Priority: Supporting eligible organizations who are addressing vital issues concerning student housing insecurity and their basic needs along with the associated chronic absenteeism by students from their daily K-12 learning environments.
Other Mission-Aligned Programs: Supporting programs, activities or services fostering learning well-being of youth, families, and educators outside of the classroom and into their home and community environments.
Education and Community Research: Studying the current impact that social, physical, mental and emotional well-being has on accelerating student achievement across diverse communities, including students and youth experiencing homelessness and chronic absenteeism from their K-12 learning environments.

“The array of incredible organizations dedicated to learner well-being that we’ve encountered since forming the Imagine Learning Foundation has affirmed our belief that every student and those that support them can benefit from increased resources,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “We’re incredibly proud of all our previous grantees and their projects. Although, as we enter our third year, we know there has been a growing crisis for youth experiencing homelessness and chronic absenteeism from their learning environments. We are eager to partner with organizations tackling this issue.”

Previous Imagine Signature grant winners include Up2Us Sports, Erika’s Lighthouse, WPSU (Penn State University Philanthropic Fund), Our Minds Matter, Genesys Works, and Big Sky Youth Empowerment. Learn more about ILF’s grant recipients and programs here.

The 2024 Imagine Signature Grant program is now open for applications through March 29 and award winners will be announced in July 2024. The 2024 grant cycle is below:

Application Opens – January 30, 2024
Application Deadline – March 29, 2024 (11:59pm PST)
Award Notifications – June/July 2024
Grant Awards – July 2024

In addition to the Imagine Signature Grant Program, ILF also conducts its Grassroots Grant Program each year, which awards a series of smaller grants to organizations nominated by Imagine Learning employees that focus on out-of-classroom programs dedicated to learner well-being, such as student-driven kindness and anti-bullying messaging and after school programs shown to increase self-confidence, attendance rates, emotional well-being, and academic performance.

To learn more about the Imagine Learning Foundation 2024 Imagine Signature Grant Program guidelines, visit imaginelearningfoundation.org.

Access the online grant application portal

About Imagine Learning Foundation

Imagine Learning Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on fostering the well-being of learners and the people who support them at home and in their communities. Established in 2021, the Imagine Learning Foundation funds a variety of grants to mission-aligned national non-profit organizations that support initiatives to foster well-being of youth, families, and educators with an emphasis on accelerating student achievement. Imagine Learning Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S. Additional information is available at imaginelearningfoundation.org.

January 25, 2024 9:00 am

Districts Call for Guidance in Developing AI Policies for the Classroom, New Report Finds

Without federal regulation and few states guiding AI use, 47% of districts nationwide plan to develop their own AI policies

Scottsdale, Ariz., January 25, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S., serving 15 million students in more than half the school districts nationwide, today released the findings from its new report, “The 2024 Administrator AI Report: Perceptions, Practices, and Potential in Education,” to identify administrators’ perceptions on the benefits and advantages of generative AI and benchmark its current rate of adoption.

To date, only two states have formulated a comprehensive AI policy absent federal guidance for districts to look to. Although several organizations such as the Consortium of School Networking, the International Society of Technology in Education, and the Council of the Great City Schools have released generative AI guidelines and best-use practices for K–12 educators and districts, according to the report, 47% of administrators are planning to implement comprehensive policies on their own and 54% have indicated they would also like help from education solutions providers to reduce risks and concerns associated with generative AI.

One-third of administrators also expressed a desire for education companies to publish and use a code of ethics when developing generative AI, while 36% plan to implement guiding frameworks for adoption and use within their schools.

These findings suggest the need for a strong call-to-action to increase technology use and services, as well as training and official guidance for safe AI implementation in schools, with education solution providers at the forefront of this push alongside schools.

Other notable findings from Imagine Learning’s report indicate the following sentiments and intentions from administrators:

AI’s Net Positive Outlook in Education: 64% of administrators believe generative AI will positively impact education, with only a minimal number (5%) planning to ban it.
Positive Student Engagement with Generative AI: The majority of students using generative AI use it ethically to improve knowledge, with research (70%), writing refinement (65%), and creating study aids (55%) as top uses.
Easing the Burden on Teachers with Personalized Learning and Efficiency: Over one-third of administrators recognize generative AI’s role in creating personalized learning materials and saving time, a significant priority in K–12 education.
Supporting Teachers and Curriculum Development: 50% see generative AI aiding in lesson planning, with notable contributions to idea generation and individualizing lesson materials that aid teachers in completing repetitive tasks, easing teacher burnout.

“Districts are willing to integrate AI into their classrooms, but currently lack the proper resources, governance, and training needed to do so successfully,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning. “Our survey reveals a critical opportunity for shaping AI’s role in education. It’s a collective call to action, urging us to work alongside policymakers and education organizations to craft guidelines that ensure AI’s integration is as responsible as it is transformative.”

“This survey isn’t just about understanding AI’s role in education—it’s a roadmap for responsible implementation,” said Kinsey Rawe, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Courseware & Instructional Services. “By understanding firsthand how AI tools enhance teaching and learning, we’re poised to guide the development of policies that are both innovative and attuned to the real needs of educators and students in a digital-first learning environment.”

Consistent with recent findings from Imagine Learning’s 2023 Educator AI Report, both teachers and administrators recognize the potential for generative AI to alleviate much of the burden currently impacting teachers. To learn more about what administrators are saying about AI’s role in supporting teachers, please download the full report here.

Methodology

The survey consisted of responses from 163 K–12 education administrators who work in districts across the U.S. Imagine Learning conducted the survey from October 31–November 9, 2023, through an online, quantitative survey that was approximately 10 minutes in length. 71% of respondents were district administrators and 29% were school administrators.

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: imaginelearning.com.