Mathematics is not just a subject; it’s a lifelong journey. Long before students recognize it, they are building the foundations of advanced mathematical thinking. From kindergarten to calculus, concepts connect and build upon one another, deepening understanding over time.
When we founded Big Ideas Learning, our mission was clear: to provide students and teachers with high-quality math resources that support this journey at every stage.
Why Math?
We are committed to math because math is our country’s greatest need. The U.S. lags other developed nations in math proficiency. We need to do better.
But beyond that, math is part of our DNA. Big Ideas Learning was founded by, and continues to be led by, America’s Math Teacher, Ron Larson. Dr. Larson is the renowned author of the best-selling Calculus textbook series that revolutionized math education by making complex concepts more accessible. His vision was to create tools that empower both students and educators. That vision still drives us forward.
Math Learning is a Continuum
Many people think of math as a checklist of disconnected skills, but in reality, math is a continuous journey of discovery. Consider this:
- In kindergarten, students learn about greater than and less than and recognize basic shapes like rectangles and circles.
- By third grade, they explore the geometry of squares and circles, and that a circle is smaller than the square that it fits in.
- In sixth grade, students calculate the area of a square that fits within a circle, setting upper and lower bounds for a circle’s area.
- By ninth grade, algebra helps us formulate estimates, to make calculations as flexible and precise as we want.
- In calculus, we prove that the exact area of a circle can be determined using infinite sums of rectangles.
That means students begin learning calculus in kindergarten. They just don’t realize it yet.
This is why we committed to developing a complete K-12 curriculum. Math is not a set of isolated lessons but a progression of understanding that builds over time.
What Sets Big Ideas Learning Apart?
At Big Ideas Learning, we don’t chase trends. Our pedagogy is research-based. Our authors are true experts. We believe authentic authorship matters. Our authors don’t just lend their names to books. They actively shape the content, ensuring it speaks with authority and purpose.
Our mission is clear: to equip teachers with the best tools and provide students with a meaningful, connected math experience. Everything we develop is measured against one question: Does this empower teachers and students to succeed?
How We Design for Teachers and Students
The teacher and the learner are inseparable. We cannot create excellent learning materials in a vacuum. Teaching materials are too theoretical without concrete learning materials to accompany them, and student materials are ineffective without instructional support.
That’s why the classroom always comes first in our development process. Every decision we make is centered around how teachers and students will use our materials in real learning environments. While we ensure alignment with standards, frameworks, and external requirements, our primary goal is to support effective teaching and deep student learning.
When developing teaching materials, we start with the language and pedagogy that teachers understand. Our resources show teachers how student materials support what they already know, along with guidance on how and why to use them. But we don’t prescribe how teachers should teach, because teachers know their students better than anyone. Instead, we provide tools that help them navigate the complexity of guiding a classroom of diverse learners.
When designing student materials, we recognize that learning is a progression. Students move from instruction to independent learning to synthesis. Simply assessing answers is not enough. Encouraging questioning is the greater goal.
Our litmus test is simple: when teachers and students are having meaningful conversations about math, we know we’ve done our job. In our development process, we often talk about communication, meaning, visualization, and psychology. In some ways, math is the easy part—it’s the way we engage students and support teachers that makes the real difference.
The Role of Innovation
Being a leader means there is nobody to follow. It means running toward the unknown. The market expects its leaders to deliver math proficiency for every student. But the full path is unmapped!
To stay in the lead, we must innovate while holding true to what works. Over the years, we’ve explored new tools and technologies while we remain grounded in proven teaching strategies. The best math instruction balances concepts, procedures, and connections. It fosters deep understanding, curiosity, and habits of mind that students carry with them into their future. The message is greater than the media.
We are always looking ahead, refining, and improving. Math proficiency for every student is a long journey, so we cannot be complacent in our leadership. Math is more than our subject – it is our quest.
About the Author
Timothy R. Larson is a founder, shareholder, and Chief Product Architect at Big Ideas Learning, where he combines mathematics, media, and storytelling to help students see the beauty and relevance of math in everyday life. With a background in mathematics and computer science, Larson has spent four decades writing across formats—from textbooks and software to children’s books and educational films.
His past work includes developing interactive digital tools, producing award-winning educational media, and defining the vision behind Big Ideas Learning’s signature programs. He has also written dozens of educational screenplays for K–12 learners, blending narrative with concept to bring math to life through real-world contexts.
Driven by a belief that learning should be both rigorous and imaginative, Larson continues to explore new ways to connect students and teachers to the meaning behind the math.
About Big Ideas Learning
Big Ideas Learning, founded in 2008 by Dr. Ron Larson—an award-winning and influential math textbook author—has been at the forefront of educational publishing. With over 35 million copies of Larson’s titles sold in the U.S., his impact on math education is profound. Building on Dr. Larson’s legacy, which began with his first edition of Calculus in 1978, Big Ideas Learning publishes rigorous, relevant, and conceptually rich K-Higher Ed mathematics programs. Our vision is to shape a future where education transcends boundaries, curiosity is nurtured, and individuals are inspired to dig deeper.