Choose a coherent math curriculum that supports teachers and engages students.
IM® Math is a problem-based TK–12 curriculum from the nonprofit Illustrative Mathematics®, rated all-green by EdReports. Mathematical ideas build across lessons, units, and grades, so students build lasting understanding and fluency.
Why IM Certified® matters
A trusted way to identify materials and supports designed for coherent IM Math implementation.
Because IM Math is available as an open educational resource, schools and districts may encounter offerings described as “based on,” “inspired by,” or “built from” IM Math. But not every product or service based on IM Math is IM Certified.
IM Certified offerings have been reviewed by Illustrative Mathematics for alignment with IM Math’s instructional model, helping schools and districts choose materials and supports that preserve the coherence, mathematical progressions, opportunities for synthesis, and intended instructional experience of IM Math.
Look for the IM Certified® badge. It means the material has been reviewed by Illustrative Mathematics for alignment with IM Math’s instructional model.
What makes IM Math different
Coherent by design
Mathematical ideas build across lessons, units, grades, and courses, helping students experience mathematics as connected rather than fragmented. IM’s curriculum, professional learning, and IM Certified partner ecosystem are also built around that same instructional model.
Grounded in decades of research
IM Math draws on established research on how students build mathematical understanding, including problem-based, discourse-rich instruction. That foundation extends to explicit support for multilingual learners and Universal Design for Learning.
Written by a lead writer of the standards
IM Math was created by mathematicians and educators, including Dr. Bill McCallum, a lead writer of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Designed for classrooms, not shareholders
IM Math is built by a nonprofit, so every decision about content, sequencing, and support is made to strengthen student learning, not to satisfy investors or drive sales.
Independently reviewed. Rated all-green.
IM Math v.360 holds all-green ratings from EdReports across every gateway for every grade band from kindergarten through Algebra 2.
As an independent nonprofit, EdReports evaluates instructional materials for alignment to standards and other indicators of quality.
IM Math is helping schools and districts improve student learning outcomes
Across the country, schools and districts using IM Math with coherent implementation support are reporting more coherent instruction and stronger student outcomes. These examples offer a snapshot of what is possible when high-quality instructional materials are paired with strong implementation conditions.
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
+3–4 months
Additional learning per year compared to similar schools not using IM Math, per Leanlab Education’s analysis.
NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DISTRICT 11
+24.8 pts
Math proficiency gain in grades 3–8, 2022 to 2025, nearly doubling the share of students scoring proficient.
NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DISTRICT 7
18% → 42%
Math proficiency in grades 3–8 over three years, while the lowest-performing level nearly halved.
CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MD
+6.07 pts
Higher average score on the Acadience Math Assessment (grades K–4), among 251 matched students using Imagine IM.
What IM Math looks like in practice
In an IM classroom, students, teachers, and the whole class each play a distinct role in building understanding together.
WHAT TO NOTICE
STUDENTS
Solve meaningful problems, represent their thinking, explain their reasoning, and revise their ideas as they learn from classmates.
TEACHER
Launches tasks, listens to student thinking, facilitates discussion, and helps the class synthesize the mathematics.
THE CLASS
Builds shared understanding so they can apply their learning in new situations.
Through Accelerate Philly, our five year strategic plan, we implemented the standards-aligned, green–rated Illustrative Math curriculum district-wide that is helping students become problem solvers through rigorous and collaborative instruction. We are well on our way to becoming the fastest improving, large urban school district in the nation.
Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr.
Superintendent, The School District of Philadelphia
What strong implementation requires
A curriculum is the foundation, but lasting change takes more. Districts get the most from IM Math when they treat implementation as a systemwide effort to strengthen math teaching and learning, not a materials rollout.
Six ways to support strong implementation
Develop a shared vision for math teaching and learning
Align teachers, coaches, and leaders around what strong math instruction looks like.
Determine how students and teachers will access IM Math materials
Create a plan for how teachers and students will access IM Math, whether through AccessIM or an IM Certified curriculum distribution partner.
Create a plan for ongoing professional learning
Give teachers, coaches, and leaders opportunities to deepen their work with the curriculum and strengthen practice.
Align support structures and resources
Ensure assessment, intervention, coaching, supplemental tools, and other supports reinforce the instructional model of IM Math.
Provide time for collaborative learning
Create time for teachers to study lessons, anticipate student thinking, examine student work, and learn together.
Ground classroom observations and feedback in supportive practices
Help leaders identify what to look for in IM classrooms and provide feedback that supports problem-based instruction.
IM Math v.360 for your school or district
Access IM Math for free
Access the complete IM Math curriculum online at no cost, including full lessons, printable PDFs, and implementation resources.
Explore enhanced print and digital options
Explore professionally printed materials, enhanced digital platforms, and implementation support for IM Math.
Need help choosing a path?
Tell us what your school or district needs, and we’ll help you identify the right option.
