IM Certified® Blog
What NYC Parents Are Telling Us About Math—and Why It Matters Now
By the Illustrative Mathematics team A new parent poll from EdTrust–New York marks the first step in a statewide effort to better understand persistent challenges in mathematics instruction and outcomes. The findings offer important insights into what families are...
How IM® Math Supported a 24.8-Percentage-Point Math Gain in NYCPS District 11
By the Illustrative Mathematics team The gains in math achievement experienced by District 11 in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) are not the result of a sudden shift or a one-year initiative. They reflect years of deliberate, system-level work focused on...
Reenvisioning Classroom Observations
Catherine Castillo, Sr. Specialist, Implementation Enablement Claire Neely, Sr. Specialist, Implementation Enablement “Both rigorous performance evaluation and frequent formative feedback are important building blocks for promoting a strong teacher workforce. Mounting...
How the Nation’s Largest School Districts Are Boosting Student Achievement with IM® Math
In a recent opinion piece published by the New York Daily News, the leaders of the nation’s two largest school districts celebrate the gains their students have made since adopting IM Math. New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and L.A. Unified...
Implementing a New Math Curriculum: 4 Tips You Won’t Find in a Textbook
By Meredith Dadigan Abel, IM Certified® Facilitator, K-5 Teachers are the heartbeat of any new math curriculum—they bring lessons to life, adapt to student needs, and make learning happen every day. But behind the scenes, administrators are the backbone, ensuring the...
Transforming Teacher Beliefs Through a Curriculum-Based MathLab
By Anita Crowder, PhD, Senior Director, Impact Research and Jennifer Wilson, EdD, Senior Director, Implementation Enablement Adopting a problem-based instructional model offers both opportunities and challenges for educators. How do we respond when teachers say, “But...
The Role of Revision in Math Class
By Courtney Ortega, IM Certified® Facilitator Learning takes time. Students make connections, deepen their understanding, and address misunderstandings. Along the way, it can make the learner feel vulnerable. “When we learn, we actively work to make sense of an idea...
Building a Math Community with IM K–5 Math
By Tabitha Eutsler, 3rd Grade Teacher “I’m not sure this is working. Only five of my students are participating and commenting each day. The rest sit there and look at me.” This was my conversation with our math coordinator after my first few days of teaching IM K–5...
Building a Supportive Home/School Partnership for High School
While families arrive with different school experiences and perspectives on what “doing math” means, they often share common questions: “What do I need to know to set my child up for success in math this year?” and “How can I continue to support them throughout the...
Building a Supportive Home/School Partnership for Middle School
Open House. Back-to-School Night. Family Welcome. Math Night. No matter what the name of the event that launches the school year, family members will arrive at your school with the same burning questions: “What do I need to know to set my child up for success in math...









