Big Ideas Learning

The landscape of education has undergone a profound transformation, catalyzed by the challenges posed by the pandemic, which has prompted innovators in the industry to address the longstanding issues.

Leading this transformative journey in the academic space is Big Ideas Learning, a specialized mathematics education platform. Guided by the standards, principles, and focal points of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) as well as Dr. John Hattie’s research on high-impact teaching strategies, it has emerged as a crucial partner for educational institutions navigating the intricate terrain of delivering robust learning solutions.

"We believe that meaningful change only holds value when it fosters a strong sense of belonging within a community of learners and educators," emphasizes Tim Larson, owner and chief product architect of Big Ideas Learning.

Big Ideas Learning is a company and a collective of educators writing for educators. Each of its 100+ editions is crafted by authors and writers who possess firsthand experience in the classroom. Recognizing that teachers wield the greatest influence on student progress, it is committed to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of educators. Its focus on research, innovation, and educational leadership consistently leads to product enhancements, creating powerful tools that empower educators to excellence.

As an independent publisher, Big Ideas Learning maintains a dedication to its goals, adopting a growth-oriented perspective. Its primary focus is to significantly impact education by nurturing curiosity and pioneering inventive solutions that drive positive transformations.

Leveraging its expertise in mathematics education, it has developed an innovative instructional program called Math & YOU. This program, designed for kindergarten to Algebra 2 students, offers a comprehensive and robust curriculum that unites students, teachers, and parents under one coherent educational approach. Grounded in the latest academic research and enriched by insights from mathematics instructors, it empowers students to take control of their learning journey, starting from foundational concepts and progressing to real-world applications.

Beyond traditional print textbooks and digital lessons, Big Ideas Learning offers an extensive online video library, live tutoring for students, and a responsive customer success team that provides unwavering support to educators and administrators. The company treats its clients' students as its own, fostering a sense of community for a richer educational journey.

Funding is one of the significant issues faced by educational institutions. Big Ideas Learning has evolved as a long-term partner to solve this problem. It delivers an effective plan to balance learning solutions and funding for the material. It identifies tools needed so educators are not overwhelmed with the choices, playing a vital role in assisting schools on their path to educational excellence.

We believe that meaningful change only holds value when it fosters a strong sense of belonging within a community of learners and educators

The impact of Big Ideas Learning is evident in its impressive results. In the first year, Miami-Dade, a district with over 350,000 students and significant diversity and challenges, used its materials and improved district rankings from #36 to #26. In contrast, Gilchrist, a smaller district, outperformed state averages in all relevant grades and witnessed substantial growth in grade 4. With a mid-sized population, Walton consistently ranked highest across the state. These successes were not confined to Florida; similar results were observed nationwide. District administrators shared their achievements and insights with its employees during the summer, offering valuable perspectives from educator partners.

The foundation of Big Ideas Learning is rooted in the principles of readability and teachability, as envisioned by its founder, Ron Larson, a mathematics professor at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Larson's philosophy that every student can learn math and that teachers can be effective has propelled his book ‘Calculus’ to market-leading status, spanning 12 successful editions and counting. This philosophy is the driving force behind its parent company, Larson Texts, which has thrived for four decades.

Its goal is to enable every student to excel in math. It has taken a tangible step with the Career Explorations video series for grades K-8, featuring interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, illustrating math's crucial role in various careers nationwide. This series reinforces the universal truth that math is essential to our lives.

Big Ideas Learning leads with innovation, dedication, and excellence in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Guided by impactful teaching, community building, and a belief in every student's potential in math, it is a trusted partner for schools navigating modern education challenges.