By the Illustrative Mathematics team
California educators are navigating big shifts in math instruction, grounded in access, coherence, and deeper student understanding. California AccessIM was designed to meet this moment.
Available to all educators at CA.AccessIM.org, California AccessIM offers free K–12 math curriculum and implementation support aligned to the California Mathematics Framework, giving teachers and instructional leaders the tools they need to bring the Framework’s vision to life in classrooms across the state.
A Problem-Based Curriculum Built for California Classrooms
At the heart of California AccessIM is California IM® K–12 Math v.360, a problem-based curriculum that structures classroom instruction around student thinking, discussion, procedural fluency, and sense-making.
In California IM Math v.360, students learn mathematics by:
- solving meaningful problems rooted in real-world contexts
- communicating their reasoning and making connections
- seeing mathematics as a coherent, connected story—not a set of isolated skills
The curriculum is fully aligned to California Common Core State Standards: Mathematics (CA CCSSM) and supports both content and practice standards through intentional lesson design.
Whether you’re new to IM Math or building on prior experience, California AccessIM helps educators start each day and each lesson confidently, and fosters engaging learning environments that support all learners.
A Strong Foundation—Now Reimagined for California
The national edition of IM v.360 has earned top ratings from EdReports, the independent reviewer of instructional materials, including:
- all-green ratings for IM K–8 Math v.360*
- highest scores for focus and coherence, rigor and mathematical practices, and teacher and student supports
The California edition builds on this strong foundation—expanding the curriculum to address California-specific standards, priorities, and instructional goals—so math feels more relevant, connected, and meaningful for California students.
*IM 9–12 Math v.360 is currently under review.
What’s New in California IM v.360?
California IM v.360 includes powerful features designed specifically for California educators:
Big Ideas and Content Connections:
The national edition is known for its coherence across grade levels, helping students see mathematics as a connected story of ideas that make sense. The California edition goes even further for California classrooms, offering Big Ideas and Content Connections that map how mathematical understanding grows across grades and within each course. Each unit weaves together multiple standards within and across domains, guiding teachers and students through a purposeful, connected progression of learning.
Environmental Principles and Concepts:
Each course integrates California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&C), connecting mathematics to real-world environmental and sustainability topics. Students explore questions like:
- How can math model water usage?
- How do we analyze energy data?
- How can patterns in climate information support decision-making?
Support for English Learners:
California IM v.360 includes direct correlations to the California English Language Development (ELD) Standards. Educators will find these supports in the Advancing Mathematical Language and Access for English Learners section of each Course Guide, making it easier to integrate math learning and language development.
Here are some examples:
New and Adjusted Lessons:
To reflect state priorities, some optional activities from the national edition are now required in the California edition, while new lessons expand opportunities for reasoning, representation, fluency skills, and sense-making, ensuring instruction remains both research-based and responsive.
More than Curriculum: Implementation Support That Matters
California AccessIM goes beyond curriculum materials. Educators and leaders can access tools and guidance that support successful implementation, including:
- A Quick Start Guide for Implementation
A practical, research-backed resource for instructional leaders launching IM Math—complete with key actions, step-by-step support, and planning guidance for the first year. - IM Certified® Professional Learning
Comprehensive professional learning experiences that help teachers master IM Math v.360 and create engaging classrooms where all learners can thrive.
Why California Educators Choose California IM v.360
California districts and schools choose California IM v.360 because of its:
- Alignment: Deep alignment with the California Mathematics Framework and CA CCSSM
- Research-Based Design: Proven, problem-based pedagogy that builds conceptual understanding and procedural fluency
- Access and Opportunity: A commitment to meaningful math learning for every student
- Professional Learning: Robust support through IM and IM Certified® partners
Next Steps
Want to be the first to hear about California IM updates? Get news on curriculum updates, professional learning, and important announcements like our new TK curriculum.
Have questions? Schedule a call with a member of our Client and Partner Success team or, email us at [email protected]. We can discuss your district’s goals, answer questions about CA-aligned materials, and even build out a plan for what robust implementation looks like for your specific district.
Looking for IM v.360 print materials or enhanced digital supports? Connect with one of our IM Certified® curriculum distribution partners:
Kendall Hunt – free digital access + print materials and lesson slides
Imagine Learning or Kiddom – enhanced digital access with rostering and reporting tools + print materials
