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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
By Kristin Umland, IM CEO and Cofounder Twelve years ago, Illustrative Mathematics® (IM) was just a scrappy startup with very few resources, held together by five founders who shared a conviction that we could help educators across the United States elevate their math...
The beginning of a new school year is filled with possibility. Classrooms buzz with energy, students arrive with fresh notebooks and open minds, and educators stand ready to guide and inspire. But as every teacher knows, sustaining that momentum takes more than good...
By Bill McCallum, IM Cofounder Every parent knows what it feels like to bring a being into existence with the hope they will one day stand on their own. It is one of the greatest joys to watch them grow, change, and eventually spread their wings. Nothing quite...
Since 2011, Illustrative Mathematics (IM)—which has reached over three million students and educators—has been guided by the vision, expertise, and heart of our CEO and cofounder, Bill McCallum. Today, we are announcing a milestone for IM: At the end of this month,...
By William McCallum, IM CEO and cofounder At Illustrative Mathematics® (IM), we believe learning mathematics is a lot like learning to ride a bike. You don’t learn by watching someone else do it—you learn by getting on the bike yourself. Sure, it might feel unsteady...
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