Illustrative Mathematics® Partners with New Meridian® to Bring Curriculum-Connected Assessments to IM® Math

August 31, 2026 — Assessments are most powerful when they inform instruction, not interrupt it. 

That’s the idea behind a new partnership between Illustrative Mathematics (IM) and New Meridian. As an IM Certified supplemental partner, New Meridian has developed ProgressGuide Assessments (PGA) aligned to IM Math v.360, providing teachers with timely evidence of students’ progress in understanding the mathematical concepts at the center of daily instruction. The partnership expands IM’s growing ecosystem of curriculum, professional learning, assessment, and supports designed to work together around a coherent instructional model.

Unlike traditional interim assessments, ProgressGuide is designed to work alongside the IM Math curriculum. Short digital testlets, each mapped to an IM Math unit and administered as that unit is taught, provide ongoing checks for understanding and actionable feedback tied to the specific mathematical concepts and skills students are learning. The assessments also identify misconceptions that may interfere with future learning and provide early indicators of progress toward end-of-year proficiency. 

By connecting assessment evidence directly to the IM Math sequence, ProgressGuide helps teachers and administrators make more timely, curriculum-connected decisions about instruction and support. Reporting at the student, classroom, school, and district levels supports a coherent, systemic approach to instructional decision making, curriculum pacing, and professional learning. 

“Teachers are constantly interpreting student thinking and deciding what to do next,” said Dr. Kristin Umland, CEO and cofounder of Illustrative Mathematics. “When assessments are built around the same mathematics students are working on in class, the results are immediately more useful. Teachers can see which ideas are taking hold, where students are getting stuck, and what to address next.”

New Meridian, a nonprofit assessment design and development organization, creates digital assessments designed to measure deep understanding, critical thinking, and effective communication. Today, more than 1.6 million students take New Meridian assessments each year.

As an IM Certified supplemental partner, New Meridian joins a growing network of organizations whose products and services have been reviewed and approved by Illustrative Mathematics for alignment with IM’s instructional model. Together, IM Certified partners give schools and districts the flexibility to choose the platforms and supports that best meet the needs of their students and staff while preserving a coherent approach to teaching and learning. 

To learn more about the IM Certified ecosystem, visit IM Certified partners.

 

About Illustrative Mathematics

Illustrative Mathematics® (IM) is the nonprofit organization behind IM® Math, a problem-based TK–12 curriculum built on the belief that all students can succeed in mathematics. IM supports schools and districts through high-quality instructional materials, curriculum-based professional learning, and a carefully vetted IM Certified® partner ecosystem. Today, more than 3.6 million students across all 50 states have access to IM Certified® curricula. Learn more at IllustrativeMathematics.org. 

About New Meridian

New Meridian is a nonprofit assessment organization committed to advancing the quality of public education for all students. Since 2016, our diverse team of assessment design and development experts has partnered with states and districts to develop innovative, high-quality assessments that give educators the information they need to ensure all students grow to be effective thinkers, problem solvers, and communicators. Learn more at https://newmeridiancorp.org/.