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.

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.

Educator Enhancements in Imagine EdgeEX: Commenting and Reordering Content

March 2024

Reorder Content

Imagine EdgeEX educators can now reorder course content at the district, school, and section levels and apply the changes to all active sections and enrollments, giving them the ability to adjust courses throughout the semester, even after students have already begun working. Individual enrollments can also now be reordered in-flight.

Educator Commenting Enhancement

Educator commenting has been enhanced and now allows for the ability to style text via Rich Text Format (RTF) tools and to include emojis This enhancement supports special characters for world languages, math and science formatting for STEM courses, and bullets and tables to provide targeted reteaching for students.

Student Password Updates in Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts

March 2024

Important Update About Student Passwords

As of March 5, student passwords no longer appear anywhere in the Imagine Math or Imagine Math Facts solutions to align with best-practice security measures around protecting student data. Educators continue to be able to update student passwords from the student’s account page.

Learn more about this important security update in the Imagine Math Help Center.

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!