Imagine IM is Bellefonte Area School District's core mathematics curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The program is based on the highly regarded Illustrative Mathematics® curriculum, with Imagine Learning serving as the publisher and provider of the print and digital instructional resources used in classrooms.
The program is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while building procedural fluency, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning skills. Rather than focusing solely on memorizing rules and procedures, students engage in meaningful mathematical tasks that encourage exploration, discussion, and critical thinking.
Through rich learning experiences, students are asked to explain their thinking, justify their reasoning, make connections between concepts, and apply mathematics to real-world situations. Lessons are designed to help students develop both confidence and competence as mathematicians while fostering a productive disposition toward mathematics.
Each unit is organized around carefully sequenced learning experiences that build conceptual understanding over time. Students engage in mathematical discourse, collaborative problem-solving, independent practice, and reflection as they develop increasingly sophisticated mathematical knowledge and skills.
Note:
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Bellefonte Area School District will implement the Grade 6 Accelerated Imagine IM course for students enrolled in the accelerated mathematics pathway. This course is designed to provide students with instruction on all Grade 6 standards and approximately half of the Grade 7 standards, creating a strong foundation for future advanced mathematics coursework.
Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, students in the accelerated pathway will transition to the Grade 7 Accelerated Imagine IM course. This course includes the remaining Grade 7 standards along with all Grade 8 standards, preparing students to enter Algebra I in eighth grade.
During the 2026–2027 school year, students enrolled in the Grade 7 accelerated mathematics course at Bellefonte Area Middle School will utilize the standard Grade 7 Imagine IM curriculum materials. Teachers will extend and enrich learning through deeper exploration of mathematical concepts, increased opportunities for mathematical reasoning, and more rigorous problem-solving tasks and activities designed to challenge advanced learners.
This phased implementation approach allows the district to thoughtfully transition to the new accelerated pathway while maintaining high expectations and meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Why We Use Imagine IM
Following a comprehensive two-year curriculum review process, Bellefonte Area School District selected Imagine IM because of its strong alignment to Pennsylvania Academic Standards, emphasis on conceptual understanding, commitment to mathematical discourse, and extensive research base.
The program reflects current best practices in mathematics education by balancing conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application. Students learn not only how to perform mathematical procedures, but also why those procedures work and when they should be applied. This approach helps students develop lasting mathematical understanding and prepares them for future coursework.
What Families Can Expect
Students may bring home problem-solving tasks, classwork, practice assignments, and mathematical discussions connected to the concepts they are learning in class. Families may notice that students are encouraged to solve problems using multiple strategies, explain their thinking, draw models, and engage in discussions about mathematics.
While students continue to develop fluency with mathematical procedures, the program also places significant emphasis on understanding mathematical concepts and communicating mathematical reasoning. Families are encouraged to ask students to explain how they solved a problem, discuss different solution strategies, and share their mathematical thinking.
Family Resources
Please see the family communication materials below to learn more about Imagine IM and how the program supports student learning:
Learn More
We encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Imagine IM and its approach to mathematics instruction: