Educational Consultant

Curriculum Associates and American Printing House for the Blind partner to advance accessible learning for students who are blind or low vision. Aug 31, 2026, 13:58 ET New tactile graphics library and assistive technology initiative expands access to assessments while helping educators prepare students for success in STEM BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Curriculum Associates and American Printing House for the Blind (APH) announced a partnership to help ensure students who are blind or have low vision have equitable access to the same rigorous assessment to inform instruction as their peers. The organizations are developing a customized tactile graphics library that will enable educators to quickly locate, print, and use high-quality tactile graphics for i-Ready Inform(TM), eliminating the need for educators to manually create these materials in real time. In addition, the library's infrastructure lays the foundation for integrating tactile graphics into the next-generation technologies, such as refreshable tactile displays, including the Monarch refreshable tactile displays. The new high-quality tactile image library will be available in the 2026-2027 school year. The collaboration combines Curriculum Associates' expertise in instruction and assessment content development with APH's leadership in braille, tactile graphics literacy, and assistive technology. Students who are blind or have low vision continue to be underrepresented in STEM education and careers, while limited access to high-quality tactile graphics remains a significant barrier to engaging with mathematics, science, charts, diagrams, and other visual learning materials. The partnership helps remove those barriers in i-Ready Inform by making tactile graphics easier for educators to find, produce, and use, saving valuable preparation time while improving consistency and quality. "Timely access to high-quality braille and tactile graphics provides students the opportunity to fully and independently participate in learning," said Lauralyn Randles, senior director of accessible test and assessment. "Together with Curriculum Associates, we're helping educators spend less time creating accessible materials and more time helping students succeed." The partnership also addresses a significant challenge facing schools. While accessibility standards are essential, creating accessible tactile materials often requires substantial time and specialized expertise. The new searchable tactile image library will streamline teachers' work by making accessible materials easier to find, produce, and use, thereby reducing preparation time while improving consistency and quality. "This initiative reflects a shared commitment to accessibility that goes beyond compliance by focusing on usability and ensuring students can fully demonstrate what they know," said Allison Johnson, AVP of accessibility, authenticity, and belonging at Curriculum Associates. "By designing for current assistive technology while keeping emerging technologies in mind, we are helping to create environments where students who are blind or low vision can increasingly engage more independently and pursue the same academic opportunities as their fellow learners." More information about Curriculum Associates' approach to inclusive assessments is available in their recent whitepaper and on their blog. About Curriculum Associates Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven company dedicated to making Grades K-12 classrooms better for more than 17 million students and one million educators nationwide. The company's connected suite of i-Ready(R) solutions unites adaptive assessment, personalized instruction, and core curriculum in English language arts and mathematics - supported by expert professional learning and service teams - alongside Ellevation for multilingual learners and Stile Education(R) for middle school science. Through its innovation hub, AI Labs, Curriculum Associates designs forward-looking technologies educators can trust. The company measures success by the impact it makes on student outcomes and is honored to support the extraordinary work of teachers every day. About American Printing House for the Blind American Printing House for the Blind is a leader in designing innovative lifelong learning solutions for children and adults who are blind or low vision. We believe in the power and necessity of learning to open the doors to educational success, satisfying employment, and personal well-being. We level the learning playing field for students who are blind or low vision by providing specialized technology, materials, products, and services that are essential for education and life. SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC

Louisiana teachers honored as 2026 Extraordinary Educators for classroom innovation. Aug 04, 2026, 16:20 ET Educators recognized by Curriculum Associates for student-focused teaching and effective use of i-Ready(R) tools; honorees will participate in a yearlong national professional learning and leadership program NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Curriculum Associates named Alicia Alfonso from Arabi Elementary in St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and Cassidy Boggs from East Ouachita Middle School in Ouachita Parish Schools to its 2026 class of Extraordinary Educators(TM). This prestigious recognition program celebrates Grades K-8 teachers across the country who exemplify instructional excellence and a deep commitment to student growth. These educators demonstrate consistent, best-in-class use of i-Ready tools in their classrooms. Selected from more than 170 educators nationwide, Alfonso and Boggs are among only 26 chosen this year for their outstanding use of data to drive learning, create inclusive classroom environments, and engage in ongoing professional learning. "Being named an Extraordinary Educator is a tremendous honor to me," said Alfonso. "It means that the work that I am putting in is being recognized and that I am making an impact on my students. In my room, we are all mathematicians and problem solvers, even when things get challenging. This recognition reinforced my commitment to helping students build confidence and take ownership of their growth." "Being named an Extraordinary Educator is one of the proudest moments I have had in my career," said Boggs. "A title doesn't make you an Extraordinary Educator. Those that have passion for student growth and come in daily with a plan to help grow every student is also an extraordinary educator. I hope to represent this title well and represent all teachers that go forth with a growth mindset for all their students." Now in its seventh year, the Extraordinary Educators program connects honorees to a yearlong national professional learning community, leadership development opportunities, and collaboration with education leaders and fellow educators from across the country. Honorees also participate in Curriculum Associates' annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, where they share insights and amplify their impact in classrooms nationwide. "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success," said Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates. "We are proud to recognize their work and to walk alongside them as they continue to lead in their classrooms and communities." The 2026 cohort represents a range of roles, including classroom instruction, student support, and enrichment. Educators were selected through a rigorous review process involving Curriculum Associates staff and an advisory panel of company leaders and Extraordinary Educator alumni, ensuring diverse perspectives and fairness. About Curriculum Associates Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven company dedicated to making Grades K-12 classrooms better for more than 17 million students and one million educators nationwide. The company's connected suite of i-Ready(R) solutions unites adaptive assessment, personalized instruction, and core curriculum in English language arts and mathematics - supported by expert professional learning and service teams - alongside Ellevation for Multilingual Learners and Stile Education(R) for middle school science. Through its innovation hub, AI Labs, Curriculum Associates designs forward-looking technologies educators can trust. The company measures success by the impact it makes on student outcomes and is honored to support the extraordinary work of teachers every day. SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC

Investing in excellence across Johnson County School District. Johnson County School District August 1, 2026 Before the first day of school, its teachers are already hard at work learning, planning, and preparing for its students. Thanks to funding through the Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy Grant (KYCL25), Johnson County Schools provided high-quality curriculum-based professional learning in partnership with Curriculum Associates and EPIC. Every lesson learned and every strategy shared helps ensure its students receive engaging, high-quality instruction each day. Johnson Co. is grateful for the partnerships and grant funding that make these opportunities possible as Johnson Co. continue pursuing The Gold Standard for every student.