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

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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.

Spanish closed captions in Imagine Learning EL Education Module Overview videos

Imagine Learning | EL Education

January 2024

Module overview videos now have Spanish closed captions

Spanish closed captions have been added to our Module Overview videos

With the addition of Spanish closed captioning, students and families who are Spanish speaking can fully engage with our module overview videos, strengthening the home-to-school connection.

Access by clicking on the closed caption icon at the bottom of the video and selecting Español.

Updated Features for Educators and Students in Imagine EdgeEX

Imagine EdgeEX

January, 2024

Check out the latest updates in Imagine EdgeEX

ELA courses now available in Imagine EdgeEX

We are thrilled to announce that English language arts courses for grades 9–12 are now available in addition to math courses in Imagine EdgeEX!

Imagine EdgeEX professional development webinars

Are you adopting Imagine EdgeEX in 2024? Join our Professional Development experts for one of our upcoming sessions to learn some of the best practices for using Imagine EdgeEX as an educational leader and ensuring success for you, your teachers, and students. 

Register now!

Expanded test prep and Intelli-sync options

Imagine School Services

January 2024

Small Group Targeted Instruction expanding to test prep

Starting in March 2024, we’ll also be offering test prep group sessions for national exams, such as ACT®, SAT®, and AP®, as well as state exams and EOCs. Learn more about our small-group intervention offering.

Learn More

Intelli-Sync now available for grades 7–8 math and ELA

To help address those critical middle school staffing gaps, we’ve expanded Intelli-Sync to grades 7–8 math and ELA.

Our Intelli-Sync service includes:

  • A teacher of record who delivers whole-class, live instruction and individualized student support
  • Engaging online curriculum
  • Access to On-Demand Tutoring
  • Exceptional education coordination

Learn More about how you can bring synchronous instruction to your middle and high school students.

Imagine Language & Literacy 20th Anniversary Enhancements

January, 2024

Time to celebrate 20 years of Imagine Language & Literacy!

Over the past two decades, we have partnered with districts, schools, teachers, and students to provide research-backed instruction and practice to improve literacy AND language skills for PreK–6 students across the globe. To celebrate, we have made some exciting updates to the product you know and love to show our continued commitment to quality content and engagement.

What have we added?

31 new books across grades 2–5 to
add rigorous content

7 new activities that accompany each new book to enhance skills coverage in vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing.

These activities have created 11 additional hours of engaging content to help your students succeed.

Even more exciting? We have a new theme song with new characters! The Mazels live in different worlds on the shelves of a child’s bedroom. They come to life in the new theme song which gives previews of the new activities students will encounter.

Watch for Yourself

What have we recreated?

Spellball

Now with 3 sports to keep students excited to practice regularly spelled word

Word Survivor

Newly re-envisioned, this phonological awareness activity now features a fun and colorful spaceship theme!

New and Updated Print Resources:

Spark interest and creativity while introducing your students to the new Imagine Language & Literacy characters with new coloring sheets, progress trackers, and printable stickers.

Let students express themselves with their own colorful artwork with the added benefit of fine motor skills practice for younger students. Teachers can use the fun progress trackers and sticker sheets to motivate and engage students in learning.

New 8th Grade Python Course, Refined Leaderboards, Posters and Printables in Imagine Robotify

Imagine EdgeEX

January, 2024

Advanced Python for 8th graders

Imagine Learning has launched a captivating advanced Python course in Imagine Robotify, tailored just for 8th graders. The “Flex’s Rescue Training” course intertwines Python programming with engaging ecological challenges, offering a vibrant and interactive learning experience.

To accompany the course, new classroom posters are also available in Educator Resources → Printables → Posters.’

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A streamlined competition experience

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Imagine Robotify’s game-based competitions foster coding skill development by combining gamification, e-sports, and education. To optimize the teacher and student experience, we’ve implemented the following leaderboard updates:

  • Removed the Wins and Losses columns from the leaderboard
  • Leaderboards are no longer public facing. Students will only see leaderboards for competitions they have joined, and educators will only have access to competitions in their purview.
  • Competitions that have ended will now say “This competition has ended.”

Learn More

“Meet the Robots” coloring pages and posters

Introduce students to the world of Imagine Robotify with all-new “Meet the Imagine Robotify Robots” coloring pages and posters now available in the To accompany the course, new classroom posters are also available in Educator Resources → Printables section.

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January 24, 2024 2:07 pm

What’s in store for edtech in 2024? One expert weighs in

Published by: District Administration

AI will transform how teachers teach and students learn… For AI to be developed effectively, however, it must leverage a foundation of high-quality digital curricula to build trust with educators and school leaders, who must first believe in this technology for it to have a meaningful impact.

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