Learning Commons broadens partnerships to strengthen AI-ready instruction data

New collaborations with literacy and assessment organizations aim to improve how AI-powered tools align curriculum, standards, and learning science in classrooms.

Learning Commons is expanding its Knowledge Graph initiative through new partnerships with Magpie Literacy, Achievement Network, and New Meridian, as it continues to build shared data infrastructure to support AI-powered instructional tools.

The collaborations will add new math and literacy datasets designed to help AI systems align more closely with academic standards, curriculum, and learning science, with the stated aim of supporting teacher decision-making rather than replacing it.

Knowledge Graph moves from early release to wider classroom use

Knowledge Graph is Learning Commons’ open data layer that connects instructional content, academic standards, and learning science research in a machine-readable format. It is intended to sit underneath AI-powered education tools, helping them generate outputs that are more instructionally relevant, standards-aligned, and grounded in research.

Learning Commons says the data layer is designed for use across the EdTech ecosystem, allowing developers to integrate trusted instructional frameworks directly into AI systems rather than relying on generalized models or unverified content.

Sandra Liu Huang, President of Learning Commons, frames the work as foundational infrastructure rather than a product. She says: “Since we announced the early release of Knowledge Graph last fall, it is becoming an essential data layer for the edtech field.”

She adds that the new partnerships are intended to strengthen that foundation. “We are proud to partner with Magpie, ANet, and New Meridian to continue the development of open, public infrastructure to strengthen the next generation of AI-powered instructional tools,” she says, emphasizing that the focus remains “for the benefit of teachers and learners.”

Literacy and math work grounded in classroom use

Magpie Literacy, a K–8 literacy organization focused on research-based reading instruction, will expand its foundational map of literacy skills and make it openly available. The work is intended to support the development of reading tools aligned with the science of reading at a time when most U.S. states have passed legislation to strengthen literacy instruction.

Rebecca Kockler, Founder and CEO of Magpie Literacy, positions the work as a bridge between research and practice. “I am certain that we can eradicate illiteracy in America in our lifetimes,” she says, pointing to the need for alignment between learning science and classroom tools.

She adds: “Making our foundational map of literacy skills widely available will enable more tools grounded in learning science to support more students,” highlighting the role of shared frameworks in scaling effective instruction.

In math, Achievement Network, a nonprofit that supports districts with assessment and instructional planning, will revise and expand the math learning components that sit beneath academic standards. These components will be piloted through Compass, ANet’s assessment platform, to test how they support real classroom decision-making.

Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of ANet, says the work addresses long-standing disconnects in instructional systems. “Curriculum, assessment, and instruction are too often designed and implemented as separate systems,” she says, noting that this makes it difficult for teachers to translate assessment data into next steps.

She adds that strengthening the math learning components “helps create a shared foundation that allows AI-powered tools to better support instructional planning and next steps for learning.”

Validation, transparency, and open access

New Meridian, an education assessment organization, will focus on validating the math learning components developed by ANet. The research will examine difficulty levels and learning trajectories, with the aim of improving alignment between assessment, curriculum design, and instruction.

Arthur VanderVeen, CEO of New Meridian, stresses that assessments should inform learning, not just measurement. “Assessments are essential for measuring student achievement,” he says, but adds that they should also “drive meaningful learning experiences in the classroom.”

All datasets and resources developed through the partnerships will be made openly available, reinforcing Learning Commons’ stated commitment to public infrastructure for AI in education. The work builds on the early release of Knowledge Graph and related evaluation tools, as Learning Commons continues to position shared data and research alignment as prerequisites for responsible use of AI in classrooms.

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