November 3, 2023 7:00 am

The Science of Math Instruction: Incorporating Research-Based Instruction into Technology

Everyone’s talking about the science of reading, but what about mathematics? Take a look at agreed-upon best practices called cognitively-guided instruction, as well as technology that puts it into practice.

Teaching mathematics means more than introducing algorithms and procedures to students. Research shows that effective instruction also involves the development of a student’s conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

One research-based approach to mathematics instruction is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), as described in Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (Carpenter et al., 2014). CGI shifts an educator’s focus away from direct instruction and toward understanding an individual student’s mathematical thinking. The teacher then leverages this understanding as the foundation to guide the student toward increasingly complex concepts.

Now, as online programs gain popularity in today’s classrooms, schools have the opportunity to choose technology that not only supports students’ procedural fluency but also aligns with research-based principles to develop students’ conceptual understanding. By evaluating the technology we bring to students through the lens of a framework such as CGI, we can help ensure that students have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed beyond memorization.

What is Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)?

CGI is an approach to teaching mathematics that focuses on students’ critical thinking and problem-solving. Instead of just showing students how to solve a problem, teachers guide students to explore strategies and approaches that make sense from their unique understanding of a situation. The following are just some of the principles of CGI, as highlighted in Children’s Mathematics (Carpenter et al., 2014).   

  • Problem Solving: Students are encouraged to tackle problems using critical thinking and creativity before receiving direct instruction. Given a story problem anchored in a real-world context familiar to students (such as sharing a food item among friends), students reason using a strategy of their choice.
  • Teacher as a Facilitator: Teachers transition away from the role of traditional instructors and toward the role of facilitators. They listen to students’ strategies, pose thought-provoking questions, and steer discussions while providing opportunities for students to learn from their peers’ thought processes.
  • Building on Prior Knowledge: Students bring their experiences and understandings into the classroom. Teachers leverage each student’s prior knowledge as a foundation and layer new concepts on top of the ideas that students have already grasped.
student solving math equation

Applying CGI to Online Learning

When designed with research-based principles in mind, online programs have the ability to increase accessibility to effective instruction. For example, the following characteristics of various online programs provide the flexibility to support CGI practices.

  • Adaptive Learning Environments: Adaptive learning environments powered by algorithms can provide students with a personalized learning experience that caters to their unique needs and preferences. By analyzing a student’s performance and feedback, online platforms can generate customized content tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This approach to learning aligns with CGI’s emphasis on personalized education, which recognizes that every student has a unique learning style and pace.
  • Virtual Manipulatives: Utilizing virtual tools, such as base-ten blocks, offers students an interactive experience to experiment with variables and visualize outcomes. This approach enables them to select the appropriate device that aligns with their current understanding and apply critical thinking and creativity to solve a given problem.
  • Real-world Problem Solving: Online platforms can offer practical problem-solving exercises that mirror real-life challenges. This approach aligns with cognitively guided instruction’s emphasis on applying mathematical concepts to everyday situations. By bridging the gap between theory and practical significance, students can gain a deeper, contextual understanding of mathematics and its relation to the world around them.

By incorporating CGI practices with online platforms’ capabilities, we can anchor each student’s learning experience in student-centered, data-driven instruction.

The Idaho Study: A Snapshot of Research-Based Technology in Action

Imagine Math ISAT Performance Research Brief
Read the Full Study

Imagine Math is one supplemental, personalized online program that incorporates the features highlighted above. It presents students with problems, equips them with virtual tools, and adapts its levels of support in response to students’ answers. “Imagine Math’s personalized learning platform aligns with each student’s needs while providing the right amount of challenge to help the student achieve grade-level proficiency,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning (New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math, 2023).

This year, a study was conducted to assess the impact of Imagine Math on students’ academic performance. The study analyzed over 4,000 math assessment scores from the Idaho State Assessment Test (ISAT) of students in grades 4 through 8. The assessment scores were taken from schools across four different districts in Idaho during the 2021-22 academic year. Key takeaways from the research include:

  • The relationship between Imagine Math lessons passed, and ISAT score growth is positive for all grades and statistically significant for grades 4 through 7.
  • Positive and significant relationships between Imagine Math lessons passed and ISAT math score growth for various student subgroups, including special education students, English learners, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and Hispanic/Latino or American Indian/Alaskan Native students.

These findings underscore the potential of platforms like Imagine Math that align with student-centered methodologies to enhance student outcomes.

The Future of Math Instruction

In today’s rapidly evolving society, education has significantly shifted due to technological advancements and a more comprehensive understanding of how individual students learn. By leveraging technology that incorporates research-based instruction, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning experience for students, leading to better academic outcomes and a more promising future.

About the Author – Erin Springer

Erin Springer is a former elementary school teacher who transitioned to supporting other teachers as a Professional Development Specialist at Imagine Learning. She is enthusiastic about helping teachers use educational technology to improve student outcomes, save time, and understand students’ needs.

Citations:

Carpenter, T. P., Fennema, E., Franke, M. L., Levi, L., & Empson, S. B. (2014). Children’s Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

Imagine Learning. (2023, June 20). New Study Reveals Significant Gains in Student Math Performance with Imagine Math [Press release]. https://www.imaginelearning.com/press/study-reveals-significant-gains-student-math-performance-imagine-math/

September 7, 2023 10:21 am

Soft Skills with Big Impact: the 4Cs of STEM

Make STEM classrooms a playground for curiosity, a canvas for creativity, a stage for communication, and a hub for collaboration. When students embrace these skills, they’re not just preparing for the future — they’re shaping it.

“Hey Siri, how many rings does Saturn have?”

“Alexa, tell me what the square root of 1089?”

“ChatGPT: give me HTML code to embed a basic calculator on a webpage.”

There was a day when students had to ask their teachers, librarians, or even consult an encyclopedia for this type of information. But those days are long (like really long) gone, and the teacher is no longer the only keeper of information in the room.

Since the teacher’s role is evolving due to new technologies, and certainly students are not motivated to memorize what Alexa already knows, what should STEM classrooms be focused on? What skills are employers in STEM careers looking for if ChatGPT can produce code for free?

A 2018 survey by the Association of American Colleges & Universities showed, “that just 34 percent of top executives and 25 percent of hiring managers say students have the skills to be promoted. Many of those skills are soft skills — communication, team work, problem-solving — that are critical in a quickly shifting job market. Entry-level skills change every few years; it’s the habits of learning to learn and navigating the ambiguity of a career that will prove most valuable to undergraduates in the long run.”

The National Education Association has boiled these soft skills down to the 4 Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. Let’s explore why these 4Cs are critical to providing a modern STEM education that gives students real career opportunities.

1. Critical Thinking: where curiosity begins

Imagine a classroom buzzing with questions. Except, not fact-based “how many rings does Saturn have” questions. Questions like: is it possible for New York City to become carbon neutral? What would that plan look like? Or: why does the kind of water (fresh or salt) affect how long it takes an ice cube to melt? That’s the power of critical thinking at work. It’s all about encouraging young minds to ask, “Why?” and “How?” Critical thinkers don’t just accept things at face value; they dig deeper. When students learn to analyze information, separate facts from opinions, and spot patterns, they become problem-solving heroes.

Picture a group of students exploring a science experiment. Instead of just following a set of instructions, they’re asking themselves, “What will happen if we change this variable?” That’s critical thinking igniting their imagination — it’s like a spark that lights up their learning journey.

2. Creativity: where imagination takes flight

Creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s a skill that every STEM student needs. It’s about looking at a problem from a different angle and dreaming up new solutions. Think of it as the magic wand that turns ordinary ideas into extraordinary ones.

Take a moment to think about a famous inventor, like Thomas Edison. He didn’t just stumble upon the light bulb; it took him 1000 attempts to find a design that worked. Creativity is what made him keep going, even when things got tough. Encouraging our students to think outside the box, to come up with wild ideas, and to believe that they can change the world — that’s the heart of creativity in STEM education.

3. Communication: bridges between minds

Imagine a world where nobody understood each other. It would be chaotic, right? Communication is like a bridge that connects our thoughts to the world. In STEM, it’s not enough to have brilliant ideas; you also need to share them effectively.

Think about a young engineer who designs an amazing new gadget. If they can’t explain how it works to others, their idea might never see the light of day. Teaching students how to express complex ideas in simple terms empowers them to inspire, collaborate, and bring their innovations to life.

4. Collaboration: teamwork for triumph

Remember the saying, “Two heads are better than one”? That’s the spirit of collaboration. In a world where problems are more complex than ever, working together is key. Collaboration is like a puzzle; each piece has its role, and when they come together, they create something amazing.

Think about a group of students working on a science project. Some are great at designing, others excel at research, and a few are natural leaders. When they pool their talents, their project becomes a masterpiece. It’s the same spirit that built the tallest skyscrapers and sent humans to the moon.

Putting the 4Cs into action

Imagine a classroom where students use their critical thinking skills to solve a real-world problem. Maybe they’re designing a water-saving system for their school garden. They brainstorm creative ideas, like using rainwater and self-watering plants. Then, they work as a team to build the system and explain their design to their classmates. These students are embracing the 4Cs in action: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Empowering educators for success

As educators, you’re the guides on this exciting journey. You hold the keys to nurturing the 4Cs in your students. Encourage them to question, to dream, to share, and to work together. Make STEM education a playground for curiosity, a canvas for creativity, a stage for communication, and a hub for collaboration.

When students embrace these skills, they’re not just preparing for the future — they’re shaping it.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4 Cs.

Tell Me More

About the Author – Carolyn Snell

Carolyn Snell started her career in education teaching first grade in San Bernardino, California. A passion for the way technology and stellar curricula can transform classrooms led her to various jobs in edtech, including at the Orange County Department of Education. Her knack for quippy copy landed her a dream job marketing StudySync—an industry leading ELA digital curriculum. Now, as the Senior Content Marketing Manager for Imagine Learning, Carolyn revels in the opportunity to promote innovative products and ideas that are transforming the educational space for teachers and students.

Course Options Summary Report in Imagine EdgeEX 

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

View course options for all courses and sections

Administrators can now view a summary of the course options set for all their Imagine EdgeEX courses and sections. This report is visible to any administrator with permission to view district reports.  

Learn More
Course Options Summary Report in Imagine EdgeEX

New Student Accommodations in Imagine EdgeEX 

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

Screen reader and deaf or hard of hearing accommodations available

Educators can now set accommodations for students who use a screen reader and/or are deaf or hard of hearing in the student options. Once set, they will apply to all Imagine EdgeEX enrollments for that student. 

Learn More
Screen reader and deaf or hard of hearing accommodations available

Weekly Activity Report Now Displays Totals in Imagine EdgeEX

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

Quickly view activity totals for each student 

The Weekly Activity Report now displays total active time and total completed activities, quizzes, tests, and exams for each student weekly.

Learn More
Weekly Activity Report Now Displays Totals in Imagine EdgeEX

Updated Threshold to Unlock Ninja Mode in Imagine Math Facts

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

Access Ninja Mode with 90% pass rate

Students can now unlock Ninja Mode, a challenging enrichment activity that students earn after showing fluency in at least two operations, with a 90% pass rate. This threshold was updated to match the passing rate of the post-test for each operation. For additional information on this update, please consult these Help Center articles:

Understanding Ninja Mode in Imagine Math Facts 
Lesson components in Imagine Math Facts 

Printable Teacher Editions, Twig Books, and Twig Journals Now Available

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

Increased printing flexibility

All Twig Science elementary teacher editions and Twig Books/Twig Journals are now printable directly from the platform via the PDF viewer. This update gives teachers greater flexibility — whether you need to print select pages for a lesson or additional copies for reference. 

Twig Printable Resource

Reminder: As noted at the bottom of each page, unauthorized commercial or large-scale printing is prohibited. 

Twig Science Reporter Format Changes

Imagine EdgeEX

March 2025

Updates to weekly science news

We’ve made some changes to the Twig Science Reporter format to ensure we can continue to deliver a weekly science news source. 

Changes:

  • Kahoot quiz discontinued 
  • Occasional shortened episodes 

You can still expect:

  • Episodes available in English and Spanish 
  • Classroom supports to help students engage with the story 

Sign up to get the weekly updates at twigsciencereporter.com or subscribe to the Twig Science Reporter YouTube channel for video only access. 

March 17, 2025 5:07 pm

College or Career? Why CTE Helps Students Succeed in Both

Is college the only path to success? Career and technical education (CTE) offers students a powerful alternative — helping them gain industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and dual credits for college. Learn how CTE prepares students for both high-demand careers and higher education, reducing uncertainty and boosting career readiness.

When I was in high school (longer ago than I care to admit), it felt like the only post-graduation option for success was college. For that reason, I didn’t consider anything else — even though my high school was actually an early adopter of career and technical education (CTE). But now, with the rising costs of college and student debt, students are looking for alternatives. “Alternatives” might sound like a nice word to mean “the less-good option,” but that’s not the case anymore. Many high-paying, in-demand careers do not require a four-year degree but do require specialized skills. That’s where CTE comes in. 

CTE as a direct career path

CTE is known for giving students access to internships and apprenticeships where they get hands-on experience and build applicable career skills. But sometimes when people think of CTE, they picture vocational education with a limited range of career paths. Today’s CTE pathways are full of options in high-demand, high-paying careers like healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering. When students graduate high school already possessing skills tailored to these career paths, they predictably have a much higher rate of employment post-graduation.  

CTE as a pathway to college 

CTE isn’t just for students planning on going straight to a career after high school — it’s a pathway to college, too. With dual credit programs, CTE students can earn college credits while still in high school, allowing them to save money on tuition by fast-tracking their degree. Many CTE pathways even align with college programs and the industry-recognized certifications students can earn help to strengthen college applications. As a result, 79% of CTE students enroll in college or a post-secondary program. 

79%

The percentage of CTE students who enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

source: California Department of Education

The best of both worlds — eliminating career uncertainty 

Many students enter college without a clear career goal, resulting in them changing majors or even dropping out. Taking CTE courses means that students can explore careers in high school before committing to a college major or career path. This means that CTE graduates will enter college or post-secondary training with more confidence in the path they want (or don’t want) to pursue. Not only that, but CTE students are more prepared for college in general: in California, “80 percent of students taking a college prep academic curriculum with rigorous CTE met college and career readiness goals, compared to 63 percent of students who did not take CTE.” 

80%

The percentage of California CTE students who met college and career readiness goals. 

63%

The percentage of California students who did not take CTE courses that met the same readiness goals. 

source: California Department of Education

The impact of CTE: proven success across industries 

Not only do CTE courses boost graduation rates and reduce absenteeism, but they have real-world benefits across a variety of high-demand career paths. 

  • Technology & Cybersecurity: Many students who complete CTE programs in IT and cybersecurity gain industry certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately or transition into college-level computer science programs with advanced standing. 
  • Healthcare & Medical Fields: CTE students in nursing, medical assisting, and biotechnology programs benefit from hands-on training, often securing apprenticeships or earning dual credit toward healthcare degrees. 
  • Engineering & Skilled Trades: Students who take CTE courses in engineering, manufacturing, or automotive technology often receive internships or industry placements, leading to higher-paying jobs right out of high school or a stronger foundation for college engineering programs. 
  • Business & Entrepreneurship: CTE programs in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship help students develop real-world business skills, with many going on to launch their own businesses or pursue degrees in business administration. 

CTE isn’t about choosing between college or career — it’s about preparing for both paths to give students the best chance at future success. By expanding CTE offerings, schools can help students make informed decisions before being asked to choose a major or a job post-graduation. Hopefully, as CTE gains ground in these high-demand career paths, students will have the information and experience they need to pursue their next steps with confidence. 

Discover the top reasons to expand CTE programs in your district

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About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

March 13, 2025 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Partners with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Bringing Beloved Classics to Award-Winning Digital Literacy Product

Exclusive partnership combines imaginative storytelling with proven literacy tools, providing greater classroom access than ever before to iconic Dr. Seuss library

Tempe, Arizona — March 13, 2025 – Imagine Learning, the nation’s largest provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced that they are collaborating with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the author’s timeless classics to the award-winning Imagine Language & Literacy platform. For the first time, Dr. Seuss’s iconic stories will be available through an educational technology platform, providing students and educators access to more than 30 Dr. Seuss titles in one convenient destination. 

A new digital portal on the Imagine Learning platform called Seuss Corner will provide learners and educators with mobile-friendly access to beloved Dr. Seuss eBooks, including titles such as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Dr. Seuss’s library has been foundational to generations of children building their reading skills and, through the partnership, students across the country can access this robust list of titles at any moment, from anywhere.  

“This partnership represents the perfect fusion of educational excellence and imaginative storytelling,” said Jonathan Grayer, CEO of Imagine Learning. “By combining our proven literacy platform with Dr. Seuss’s beloved content, we’re creating an opportunity to engage young readers and foster a lifelong love of learning. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to ignite learning breakthroughs and create educational experiences that inspire and delight.”  

Susan Brandt, CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, added, “Building reading skills at an early age is critical to children’s success later in life, and an important part of Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ mission. We selected Imagine Learning as our exclusive education technology partner because of their commitment to educational excellence and innovation. This partnership ensures that Dr. Seuss’s legacy of making reading fun and accessible continues to evolve in our digital age. Together, we’re creating new ways for children to experience the magic of these timeless stories while also developing their reading skills and a lifelong love of reading.” 

This month, Seuss Corner will be seamlessly integrated into the existing Imagine Language & Literacy platform for both new and current customers. Its mobile-friendly design ensures students can engage with their favorite Dr. Seuss stories in the classroom or at home. Additionally, educators will receive exclusive access to 12 creative choice boards featuring themed monthly activities, specialized reading materials, and comprehensive teaching resources designed to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes.  

Imagine Learning plans to expand Seuss Corner with additional features and functionality, including interactive reading activities, progress-tracking tools, and celebration features to reward reading achievements — all exciting new ways to support literacy development and foster student engagement.  

“This partnership represents more than just digital access to beloved books,” noted Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President of Product and Platform at Imagine Learning. “We’re creating a comprehensive literacy experience that combines the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with research-based educational practices. This is about transforming how children engage with reading and supporting educators with powerful new tools to inspire learning.”  

For more information about Seuss Corner, visit imaginelearning.com/seuss-corner. 

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, working alongside teachers to support 18 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® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.  

About Dr. Seuss Enterprises 

Founded in 1993, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a leading global children’s entertainment and licensing company focused on promoting literacy, education, self-confidence, and the wonderful possibilities of a child’s imagination through the beloved works of Dr. Seuss. All Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ profits benefit charitable organizations that focus on causes such as education, health, animal conservation, and the arts. For more information, visit DrSeussEnterprises.com or follow them on Instagram. 

March 11, 2025 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Announces 2025 Funding Cycle for Signature Grant Program

$600,000 to be awarded to initiatives that place a continued emphasis on chronic absenteeism and the student homelessness crisis; a portion of funding to be dedicated to students impacted by California wildfires

Tempe, Arizona — March 11, 2025 — Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative created by Imagine Learning, a leader in K–12 digital-first solutions used by 18 million students in over half of the school districts nationwide, has announced the opening of the 2025 funding cycle for its Imagine Signature Grant program. Now in its fourth year, ILF will award approximately $600,000 in Imagine Signature Grants to organizations dedicated to ILF’s mission of supporting learners outside the classroom.

Since its launch in 2021, ILF has awarded over $1.2 million through 30 grants as part of its initial $5 million funding commitment. The recipient organizations have positively impacted more than 413,000 students and youth in 1,700 communities across the U.S., addressing issues from homelessness to suicide prevention and mental health.

As part of the Imagine Signature Grant Program 2024 grant cycle, ILF initiated a funding priority to support national and regional organizations addressing or studying critical issues related to chronic absenteeism in K–12 learning environments. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more days of school per year, has severe consequences for learning, physical and mental health, stability, and future outcomes throughout a student’s life, particularly for children experiencing homelessness. During the 2022–2023 school year, over 27% of students nationwide were chronically absent, exacerbating a learning crisis, particularly in math and reading performance.

For its 2025 grantmaking cycle, ILF will continue this funding priority, especially in areas such as basic needs support; wraparound services for students, their families, and communities; and research to address chronic absenteeism and other aligned areas. ILF will also provide support to organizations addressing student housing insecurity, often a direct contributor to chronic absenteeism. More than 1.3 million students in the U.S. are currently experiencing homelessness, putting them at greater academic and graduation risks.

ILF is also dedicating a portion of its funding to projects and initiatives that directly support students and communities impacted by the California wildfires. Natural disasters often disrupt students’ education, stability, and overall well-being, exacerbating challenges for already vulnerable students. By expanding its 2025 funding priorities, ILF aims to provide critical support to those experiencing hardship due to these crises.

“We are proud to continue the commitment to funding programs that address chronic absenteeism and student homelessness,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Learning. “This year, we recognize the additional struggles faced by those affected by the devastating California wildfires and will dedicate funding to support students who have been displaced or whose education has been severely disrupted. Our goal remains the same — to support innovative solutions that create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for students to thrive beyond the classroom. My heart goes out to the communities living through this tragedy, and I have earmarked my personal contributions to ILF this year to support student well-being in areas that have been affected by the wildfires.”

“Through the generosity of Imagine Learning, the Imagine Learning Foundation has been able to support many great projects throughout the country,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “We look forward to continuing to support student well-being outside of the classroom in this upcoming grant cycle.”

Previous Imagine Signature Grant recipients include Up2Us Sports, Erika’s Lighthouse, WPSU (Penn State University Philanthropic Fund), Our Minds Matter, Genesys Works, Big Sky Youth Empowerment, Catie’s Closet, Giving the Basics, UpSpring, Our House, and SchoolHouse Connection/Attendance Works. Learn more about ILF’s grant recipients and its grant programs here. 

The 2025 Imagine Signature Grant program is open for applications through April 9, 2025, with award winners notified in July 2025. The 2025 grant cycle timing is as follows: 

  • Application Release – February 24, 2025
  • Application Deadline – April 9, 2025 (by 11:59 PM PT)
  • Award Notifications – June 2025
  • Grant Awards – July 2025

Aside from the Imagine Signature Grant Program, ILF administers its Grassroots Grant Program throughout each fiscal year, awarding smaller grants to organizations nominated by Imagine Learning employees. These grants support initiatives focused on student well-being outside the classroom such as kindness campaigns, anti-bullying efforts, child bedlessness, and before/after-school programs that enhance self-confidence, attendance, resilience, and academic performance.

About Imagine Learning Foundation

Imagine Learning Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the well-being of learners and those who support them at home and in their communities. Established in 2021, the foundation provides funding to mission-aligned national non-profit organizations that focus on enhancing the well-being of youth, families, and educators, with an emphasis on accelerating student achievement. Imagine Learning Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, a leading creator of K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide.

Traverse Explorer

U.S. History 

Influential Women Leaders 

Explore historical figures who inspired early women’s rights.  

Engage

Examine this flipbook to learn more about the signers of the Declaration of Sentiments 

Fighting for Women's Rights

Analyze

Declaration of Sentiments  

Genre: Document | Creator: Elizabeth Cady Stanton | Date: 1848 

Background 

Activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton read this declaration at the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, July 20, 1848. Modeled after the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the document argues for the moral, economic, and political equality of women. It was signed by 68 women and 32 men and signaled the beginning of the women’s rights movement in the United States. 

Examine Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s speech at the Seneca Falls Convention.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness . . . 

The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. . . . 

Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides. 

He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead. 

He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns. . . . 

He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration. 

He closes against her all the avenues to wealth and distinction, which he considers most honorable to himself. As a teacher of theology, medicine, or law, she is not known. 

He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education — all colleges being closed against her. . . . 

Now, in view of this entire disfranchisement of one-half the people of this country, their social and religious degradation — in view of the unjust laws above mentioned, and because women do feel themselves aggrieved, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights, we insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of these United States. 

Excerpted from “Declaration of Sentiments.” 

Collaborate

Wraparound  

Post the following question:  

How do Americans continue to fight for equal rights for all citizens today? 

  • Go around the room, and have each student share aloud a short, quick response to the question. 
  • After all students have responded, ask: 
    • What common ideas did you share in the wraparound? 
    • What surprised you? 
    • What are you curious to investigate after this wraparound? 

Teacher Resources

Think Like a Historian: Sourcing Information

Use this additional sourcing information to further contextualize the source in order to deepen students’ analysis and evaluation. 

Summary

Elizabeth Cady Stanton invokes the language of the Declaration of Independence and declares the wrongs done to women by disenfranchising them. 

Purpose

Stanton outlined the precise wrongs that women must endure as a consequence of their disenfranchisement in an effort to demonstrate the injustices experienced by women in American society. 

Intended Audience

Stanton’s speech was designed for those gathered at the Seneca Falls Convention, but it was also meant to convince the larger American public. 

Source Considerations

This source borrows language directly from the Declaration of Independence. A review of the Declaration of Independence might help students better understand the significance of the similarities between the two documents. 

Scaffolding and Differentiation: Source Analysis Support

Genre    

This source follows the example of what is perhaps the most well-known declaration in the world: the Declaration of Independence. Remind students to consider the language of that declaration and how the Declaration of Sentiments follows its example. 

Style   

Invite students to consider how Stanton convinces her audience to enfranchise women. 

Analyze and Discuss

To extend discussions, consider asking the following questions.

  • Why did Elizabeth Cady Stanton write this declaration?
    • Stanton wrote the declaration to demonstrate the need for equality for women.
  • What details in the source best show her purpose for writing?
    • Answers will vary but may include “we insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of these United States.”
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