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.

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‘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

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

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%

Imagine Language & Literacy

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

Imagine Language & Literacy

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.

20 Years of Imagine Language & 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 20th 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

Imagine EdgeEX

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

Imagine EdgeEX

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

Imagine EdgeEX

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
it's a placeholder, y'all

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

Twig Science

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 Pacing GUide

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

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