PRWEB | Scottsdale, Arizona | October 21, 2020

Today, education software company LearnZillion announced that Spotlight Lessons aligned with its recently launched Student Spotlight Project have been integrated into LearnZillion Illustrative Mathematics grades 6–8. The Student Spotlight Project is a series of engaging videos that feature middle-school students from across the United States collaborating virtually in a “Zoom-like” format. The LearnZillion IM Student Spotlight Lessons harness peer power by connecting students for on-demand models of small-group collaboration during asynchronous work time.

The Student Spotlight Lessons align with each part of an Illustrative Mathematics lesson—including the warm-up, the activities/task, and the synthesis—and include interactive discussions featuring student thinking, strategies, and productive struggle within the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, which emphasizes supporting the whole learner.

“During this unique time in education, it’s as important as ever to engage students’ minds in authentic, age-appropriate mathematical reasoning whenever, wherever, and however they learn best,” said Kate Nowak, Vice President of Product Strategy for Illustrative Mathematics. “Our certified partner LearnZillion has developed this highly innovative way to focus students’ attention on meaningful conversations and provide more opportunities to justify their reasoning and critique the reasoning of others. We’re grateful for their efforts to preserve the integrity of Illustrative Mathematics’ careful research-based curriculum design while adapting to meet the challenges inherent to different instructional environments.”

Each Student Spotlight Lesson is designed to drive student engagement and motivation by showcasing how different students grapple through various tasks, challenges, and milestones within the curriculum. These lessons foster a growth mindset, promote accountability for learning, and connect students to meaningful math discourse, whether they are inside or outside of the classroom.

The LearnZillion Illustrative Mathematics Grades 6–8 Student Spotlight Lessons offer educators another tool to support students during distance learning, as well as hybrid and in-person instruction. The videos can be directly assigned to students as a model and check throughout their conceptual development.

“Since becoming part of Edgenuity, LearnZillion has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and to empowering students and educators—and has responded to the need to define best instructional practices even while students are learning from home,” said Sari Factor, CEO of Edgenuity. “These Spotlight Lessons are one example of how LearnZillion is creating resources that support a sense of community, student engagement, and academic rigor, particularly in distance learning environments.”

For more information and an introductory video, please visit: LearnZillion.com/spotlight

About LearnZillion

LearnZillion, a leading provider of K–12 online learning solutions and now a part of Edgenuity, curates and publishes the highest-quality core instructional materials supported by exceptional professional development. LearnZillion is committed to helping educators plan and deliver powerful, lasting learning experiences. Districts that adopt our curricula empower teachers to spend less time building student-facing materials from scratch and more time meeting their students’ needs. For more information, visit LearnZillion.com.

About Illustrative Mathematics

Illustrative Mathematics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics. We provide access to high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, and a community in order to support all students’ mathematical growth. By utilizing an uplifting, engaging, and inclusive approach, we help students develop skills, understandings, and practices that will stay with them for a lifetime. Learn more at IllustrativeMathematics.org.

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