Category: Blog

Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

May 17, 2024 12:55 pm

Empowering the Next Generation: How CTE Fosters Career Confidence

CTE programs equip students with not only essential skills and competitive credentials but also with the confidence they need to excel in today’s competitive job markets.

The decision of what to do after high school can feel overwhelming for many high school students. They’re coping with academic pressures and personal stressors, which can make every decision feel weighted.

Here’s where career and technical education (CTE) programs come in.

They’re more than just vocational training to connect high school students to viable careers; they also help boost students’ self-confidence and build real-world competencies. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, CTE programs play a crucial role in preparing the next generation for successful and fulfilling careers.

Here are 3 ways CTE programs alleviate student anxieties, helping them enter the “real world” with confidence:

Real-world anxiety: my classes aren’t preparing me for life after high school

CTE’s answer: pathways that build competencies for the modern world

Students learning together to build electronic circuits

We’ve all heard it: “I don’t use anything I learned in high school.” While that’s hyperbole, the sentiment is important. Students worry that they won’t be prepared for the real world — whether that’s college or career — after high school. CTE programs are changing that.

CTE programs are uniquely designed to align academic goals with the economic realities of high-demand industries. By integrating core academic skills with technical, job-specific skills, these programs prepare students for a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace. Whether their interests lie in healthcare, engineering, digital arts, or even agriculture, CTE courses equip students with a versatile toolkit of skills that don’t just look great on a resume — they also help students succeed in their chosen careers.

CTE programs stand out as an essential educational pathway that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Real-world anxiety: today’s jobs are looking for more than a diploma

CTE’s answer: certifications that open doors

A group of students working on a project together

In a world where entry-level roles somehow still require experience, students are understandably worried about their prospects when entering the workforce. CTE programs set students up for success by preparing them for industry-recognized certification exams.

Not only do they help them prepare, but CTE programs allow students to earn recognized certifications while they’re still in high school. These certifications, often endorsed by industry leaders, can provide a substantial advantage for students entering the job market. They signal that students are ready to work, which can help reduce the barrier to entry into competitive fields.

Real-world anxiety: the idea of a career is big, unknown, and possibly scary

CTE’s answer: real-world experience builds confidence and familiarity

Good friends joking

Daydreaming in a freshman year English classroom, the idea of a career seems like just that: a distant fantasy. As students enter their final years of high school, they start to feel that post-graduation life getting closer and closer — but that doesn’t make it any less intimidating.

To alleviate these fears, CTE programs frequently incorporate internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects that provide hands-on experience. Direct engagement outside the classroom not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge learned in class but also helps students develop confidence in their ability to perform job tasks effectively. This experience transforms uncertainty into assertive self-assurance, as students realize they can apply knowledge to solve real-world problems.

A pathway to sustainable careers

By providing clear pathways to in-demand careers, CTE programs help students see the direct correlation between their efforts in school and their future success. This visibility enhances their motivation and encourages them to envision their future beyond high school. And, knowing that they are on a direct route to a viable and sustainable career can significantly alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty that many students face regarding their future after high school.

Career and technical education programs don’t just teach students a set of job-specific skills; they also build confidence, alleviate anxiety, and encourage personal and academic growth. As the demand for skilled professionals grows, CTE programs stand out as an essential educational pathway that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

May 13, 2024 10:19 am

Open Any Door with Communication  

As the demand for skilled communicators rises across all fields, it’s vital that our educational approaches keep pace. In this third entry of our 4Cs series, we show how STEM education boosts students’ communication skills, equipping them with the tools necessary for success in any career.

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.   

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Communication: The Third C Unveiled 

In the world of STEM, mastering technical skills like coding, data analysis, and engineering design are often viewed as the usual pillars for career success. Equally crucial, and sometimes overlooked, is the role of effective communication. The ability to explain complex concepts clearly and collaborate empowers students to thrive in any professional environment, not just in STEM fields. 

STEM subjects naturally integrate communication through things like collaborative projects and problem-solving. These involve more than just talking and writing — they’re about learning to convey ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of ways. Students may need to present their scientific findings, defend their reasoning, or document their processes. Each of these tasks strengthens verbal, written, and digital communication skills, which all contribute to career-readiness.  

The 4Cs of STEM Critical Thinking

“Whether you decide to try for a job in science or not, investing time in developing scientific thinking and skills will positively impact your future.”

Drew Barrett

Director of Efficacy Research at Imagine Learning

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Build Effective Communicators with STEM 

When we really think about it, communication and STEM go hand in hand. STEM professionals need to effectively communicate findings to help drive progress in their field — which is where studying STEM subjects come in. Here are just some ways STEM helps build strong communicators in any field:

Data visualization: Students learn to take complex data and transform it into clear visual aids that form the basis of sound decisions — valuable for careers ranging from business analytics to public health.

Technical writing: In math, students prove theorems or solve problems where each step must be documented. By learning how to make cases for findings and articulate their thoughts, they pick up useful skills for workplace tasks — whether it’s preparing project proposals or writing code for software development.

Interdisciplinary communication: Many STEM fields encourage interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration. By taking part in projects, students learn to speak the language of other disciplines, make room for opinions, and adjust their communication styles.

Presentation skills: Whether through academic posters, group presentations, or team updates, students are expected to present research and findings. Think of it as the ultimate confidence booster, preparing them for fields like marketing, education, or business!  

In our final 4Cs blog post, we explore how creativity opens exciting possibilities across  all disciplines. 

Imagine Learning STEM

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

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Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

May 6, 2024 10:28 am

There Is Nothing Quite Like Seeing a Masterful Teacher at Work

Teachers are the ones who bring magic to the classroom. This Teacher Appreciation Week, Dr. Kathy Swan highlights the creativity and dedication of educators who make every lesson impactful and memorable for their students.

Last week, I watched as a high school teacher brought an economics lesson to life.  

She began the class with a sorting exercise in which students collaboratively worked to prioritize 10 cards that had competing budget priorities on them. For example, one card featured an image of U.S. soldiers with the caption: “MILITARY: Spending for national defense and support for U.S. allies and interests abroad.” Another card read, “HEALTH CARE: Spending for research to cure or prevent disease and services for low-income and elderly Americans.” Students were asked the question, “What should we spend our money on?” and in small groups deliberated which order to place the cards (e.g., military, healthcare, education, environment). Then, students put their rankings into a Google form and examined in real time how the entire class ranked the various priorities.

The teacher ended the class with students examining a pie chart of the current budget priorities to compare their priority list with the reality of the U.S. budget. As you might predict, students were surprised at how little proportionally the government spends on education, which many students had ranked as 1 or 2 on their priority list. The class ended, students equally engaged and confounded by the big ideas surfaced in the lesson.

High School Students With Teacher In Class Using Laptops Smiling

This lesson was simply elegant. There were no educational fads or pedagogical gimmicks on display — just a clear example of high-quality inquiry instruction brought to life by a skillful teacher. The teacher anchored the lesson with an authentic and worthwhile question: What should we spend our money on? She curated a set of sources, placed them in front of students, and stepped out of the way, letting them wrestle with the question rather than shortcutting to an answer. She then helped students work together to contextualize and challenge their answers in a variety of ways.

What I admired most was that she allowed a bit of uneasiness with the material, sending students to their next class disgruntled about the amount the government spends on interest from past debt. And she set students up for a study of scarcity in the weeks to come, undulating between choices made within macroeconomic fiscal policy and personal finance.

It was teaching magic, and I was lucky to have a front-row seat — I wanted to jump on the desk exclaiming, “Captain, my Captain!” with a soulful slow clap. But she would have thought it odd — it was a Tuesday in April and she was just doing what she does every school day.  

There is nothing quite like seeing a masterful teacher at work. As educators, so many of us struggle with giving up control — control of our content and the physical spaces of our learning environment. But masterful teachers implicitly and outwardly trust their students. They trust their students to deliberate tensions in the subject matter, not just to consume settled knowledge. They also trust that their students want to engage in the work of knowing even when students give off all the signs to the contrary — distracted by their phones, heads on their desks, side conversations about anything but the subject at hand. Masterful teachers cut through all of that — they see beyond the surface signals and compel students to engage.  

“It’s as if the economics teacher I saw pregamed the day’s lesson with a mantra: ‘Oh, you don’t think you care about the U.S. budget? Hold my coffee…’ Masterful teachers transform their classrooms into vibrant spaces, often surprising students with their own curiosity.”

Educators keep searching for the secret sauce to create this kind of classroom magic. Recent efforts around High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) aim to provide teachers with important curricular tools that are standards- and inquiry-based and include differentiation to enable teachers to be more equitable in their instruction. This is important work, as teachers need reliable and effective tools to prepare students for college, career, and civic life. But tools are tools. Even the highest quality curricular tools need to find the hands of a capable, imaginative, and energetic educator.

If you’re a teacher reading this, thank you for your efforts to continuously refine learning experiences and help us see our greatest curricular hopes in action. We stand in awe of the work you do day after day after day — a very enthusiastic slow clap incoming for Teacher Appreciation Week! 

About the Author: Dr. Kathy Swan

Professor, University of Kentucky; C3 Framework Lead Author; Lead Consultant on Traverse

Kathy Swan is a professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Kentucky. Kathy was awarded UKY’s Great Teacher Award in 2021 and has been a four-time recipient of the National Technology Leadership Award in Social Studies Education, innovating with inquiry-based curricula. Dr. Swan served as the project director and lead writer of the College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies State Standards (2013), the national standards for social studies. She has co-written a number of best-selling books, including Inquiry-Based Practice in Social Studies Education: The Inquiry Design Model (2017), The Inquiry Design Model: Building Inquiries in Social Studies (2018), and Blueprinting an Inquiry-Based Curriculum: Planning with the Inquiry Design Model (2019).

Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 30, 2024 5:40 am

Open Any Door with Collaboration

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).  

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. 

imagine purpose prep

“Embrace the opportunities to learn and apply STEM skills, and you’ll find yourself well equipped for a future full of fun and exciting possibilities.”

Simone Jennings

CEO and marketer

Gif of 4Cs of STEM, zooming into the STEM skill: Collaboration

Collaboration: The Next C Unveiled

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Two heads are better than one.” It’s true — no one person can do everything. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and if we work together, we’re much more likely to solve a problem than if we’re working alone. But learning to collaborate doesn’t just mean learning how to work with others. It’s learning to delegate, resolve conflict, manage time, set goals, make compromises, and be empathetic — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In short, collaboration isn’t only important for college and careers — it’s necessary in every aspect of life.

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From STEM Classrooms to Any Career

How does STEM promote collaboration?

Fun fact: more than 7,000 scientists, engineers, and technicians collaborated when designing and building the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. It’s a great example of how STEM is a playground for collaboration — and how groundbreaking discoveries are made when many minds are brought together. In a STEM classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to practice this skill. From working on collaborative projects and conducting and sharing group research to providing peer-to-peer feedback and engaging in class discussions, every student has the chance to engage, regardless of learning style. But as chemist Noby points out in the video above, lots of students are apprehensive when it comes to group assignments. And often, that apprehension isn’t entirely unfounded because there are lots of potential conflicts that can arise. A common worry is unequal participation (Murray, 2017), but there are many strategies to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate — and therefore, get the most from their collaborative group work.

A great way to promote equitable collaboration in a STEM classroom is to assign students different roles during science and engineering investigations. This can give them buy-in, a reason to participate, and simulates various collaborative situations they’re likely to encounter in the workforce — whether in a STEM-related role or not.

In the next installment of our series on the 4Cs of STEM, we’ll explore how STEM fosters communication skills.

Imagine Learning STEM

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

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Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

April 12, 2024 10:38 am

Open Any Door with Critical Thinking

Workplaces are changing fast. Jobs with “routine” work have decreased and there’s a much bigger emphasis on soft skills like the 4Cs. In part one of our four-part series, discover how critical thinking unlocks future pathways for students and how STEM in particular fosters it.

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

imagine purpose prep

“The world is incredibly complex. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and I use those fundamental [STEM] skills to find all of the puzzle pieces and put them together in a way that makes sense to me.”

Noby Leong

Chemist

The 4Cs of STEM Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking: The First C Unveiled

What do we mean by critical thinking? And why does it take center stage? Critical thinking is about analyzing and evaluating information to make sound conclusions. It’s more than solving math problems or conducting experiments — it’s about challenging assumptions and seeing beyond the obvious to become an active, engaged problem solver.  

In the classroom, this might look like students debating the best approach to solving a problem or designing multiple hypotheses to test an experiment. Ultimately, it’s a skill that prepares students for overcoming real-world challenges in any field.  

From STEM Classrooms to Any Career

So how does mastering Pythagoras’ theorem or challenging scientific approaches benefit students who don’t want to pursue STEM? The answer lies in the universal transferability of the critical thinking involved. Whether it’s strategizing a marketing campaign, improving customer service protocols, or writing compelling narratives, critical thinking is woven into the fabric of every career you can imagine.

The message is clear: critical thinking is more than an academic skill. It unlocks potential across all disciplines and all future pathways for students.  

In the next installment of our series on the 4Cs of STEM, we’ll explore the power of collaboration and how it shapes the leaders of tomorrow. 

Imagine Learning STEM

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

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Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

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’?

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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.

Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

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.

Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

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.
Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

January 24, 2024 6:00 am

Navigating Career Pathways: The Unseen Value of CTE Programs

Career and technical education (CTE) programs serve as a critical bridge for high school students, offering them the flexibility to pursue higher education, dive directly into the workforce with a competitive edge, or even explore and pivot away from career paths they find less aligned with their interests — saving them time and money while offering them boundless opportunities.

The Game of Life board game really made it seem like the choice between starting with college or starting with a career was the most important decision you could make. It was black or white — start with college and have a chance at a “good job” or start with career and have much fewer opportunities. (In reality, either option could lead to the coveted $100,000 salary… but don’t tell 8-year-old me that.)

While the board game’s ties to real life were flimsy, this fictitious dilemma brings up a real-world misconception: that after high school you could either go to college or start a low-skilled job. Luckily, career and technical education (CTE) courses add so many more choices for today’s graduates. CTE’s unique blend of practical learning, hands-on experience, and direct industry relevance equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.

The focused nature of CTE

The essence of CTE lies in its ability to tailor education to specific career paths, providing a clear, direct line from classroom learning to real-world application. This is a sentiment echoed by educators deeply embedded in the field. Connie Craven, a dedicated CTE teacher with Imagine School Services, highlights the focused nature of CTE courses: “I enjoy teaching CTE classes because they are more specific to a field or career rather than just a generalization. This can help students really see if that is a pathway they would want to pursue, saving them time and money in the future.”

“This can help students really see if that is a pathway they would want to pursue, saving them time and money in the future.”

Connie Craven

CTE Teacher, Imagine School Services

Craven’s observation underscores a crucial benefit of CTE — its capacity to help students make informed decisions about their futures, potentially averting unnecessary educational expenses and detours. This pragmatic approach to learning is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering a sense of direction and purpose. In fact, research shows that the average high school graduation rate of CTE concentrators (students who take more than one CTE course in the same field) is 96%, as compared to the national rate of 85%.

96%

High school graduation rate of CTE concentrators (students who take more than one CTE course in the same field)

Exploration and adaptability

CTE empowers students to explore a range of careers before making a significant commitment to a specific path. This exploration is invaluable, allowing students to discover what truly motivates them and what does not, thus saving time, money, and potential dissatisfaction in the long run. The adaptability and breadth of options available through CTE underscore its critical role in helping students carve out successful, fulfilling careers, whether that means further academic pursuits, immediate employment, or a completely new direction after gaining hands-on experience. Regardless of the path they choose, data shows that “eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on career and technical education (CTE) courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE.”

Kathy Colquitt, CTE teacher with Imagine School Services, shares her journey through the CTE landscape, from her initial spark of interest in international relations prompted by a teaching opportunity, to the internships and coursework that solidified her career path. “The CTE pathway helped me define my career and pursue degrees in business and international business,” Colquitt reflects. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of CTE, illustrating how targeted educational experiences can shape a student’s academic and professional trajectory.

Preparing for tomorrow’s careers

CTE courses stand apart from traditional education models by offering immersive, applied learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Colquitt elaborates on the unique offerings of CTE, stating, “CTE courses provide students with the ability to apply what they have learned within traditional courses into an environment that helps them explore their interests and further develop research and critical thinking skills.” This emphasis on application, coupled with the integration of ethical considerations, prepares students for the realities of the workplace in a way that traditional education often cannot.

Through its focus on specialized skills, practical experience, and direct industry relevance, CTE not only prepares students for the jobs of today but empowers them to shape the careers of tomorrow. As we look to the future, the role of CTE in fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing workforce readiness will undoubtedly continue to grow, making it an essential element of our collective educational strategy. So, instead of choosing between “start with college” and “start with career,” graduates leave high school on the right path for them.

Help students ignite their passions and find their paths

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Posted on by Imagine Learning Corporate

January 23, 2024 8:00 am

Summer Learning: Put Students in the Driver’s Seat 

Transform summer school from a chore to a launchpad for success. Discover four dynamic strategies to engage and motivate middle and high schoolers, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement on their educational journey back to school in the fall.

As summer rolls in, middle and high school students are often focused on sun, fun, and forgetting school even exists! That’s why summer school is a tough sell, even (and sometimes especially) for those students who must recover credits to graduate. So how do we get students excited about summer learning? Empower them with agency. 

We know that summer school can get students back on track, maintain their momentum for fall, or get them ahead. Getting students to feel inspired by these possibilities requires them to feel a sense of responsibility for their own education. Here are four ways to give students ownership of their learning: 

1. Help them understand the destination 

If students can understand why they’re there and how this will benefit them, it will help with their motivation. Students want to know why they are tasked with an assignment — so whether they’re there to recover credits they missed during the school year, work on challenging concepts, or just trying to get ahead, once they know the destination, they can focus on achieving their goals. 

2. Set up a roadmap 

Once students understand their overall destination in summer school (credit recovery, concept recovery, getting ahead), they should set manageable goals that will be their roadmap to success. The key to this goal setting exercise is that they are easily attainable. For example, “I will work on my math course for two hours a day.” Once students begin to meet these goals, they will continue to be motivated and feel that their overall success is achievable.  

3. Identify the checkpoints  

Once goals are set, help students develop a system for checking in on their own progress. Help them understand the importance of checking in on their progress. This helps them establish ownership of their learning and ensure they are on track for course completion. Teachers and administrators often have their own goals for their students, but it is also important that students remain invested in their progress and learning as well. 

4. Make time for celebration 

Last, but most certainly not least, make sure to celebrate success along the way. While it is easy to celebrate the big milestones like completing a unit or course, those will be fewer and farther in between. If you wait for those big moments, students could begin to lose sight of the finish line. Making sure to celebrate things like completing a lesson or even just completing the time goal they set for that day can be a great way to ensure students celebrate themselves and feel that their effort is acknowledged. 

From recovering last year’s English credits to revisiting algebra concepts in preparation for fall geometry, summer school success is going to look different for every student and classroom. But whatever the course, if students feel like they are the owners of their learning, that success will carry them through the academic year too.  

Put Your Students in the Driver’s Seat this Summer

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About the Author – Alyssa Osorio

Alyssa Osorio is the Product Marketing Manager for Courseware at Imagine Learning. Prior to joining Imagine Learning, she was a 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher and Subject Area Leader. In her time as an educator, she also worked in summer school and credit recovery positions with the goal of motivating and empowering students to take pride and ownership of their learning and success.