Whether you’re new to VEX PD+ or a seasoned educator, this thread keeps you updated on the latest developments, resources, and opportunities throughout the year.
Every two weeks, I’ll share new content, features, and insights from our team. Have ideas for future content? We’d love to hear them!
Looking for past updates? Check out the 2024 PLC thread
Maximize Your PD+ All-Access Experience:
VEX Robotics Educators Conference – Your All-Access PD+ subscription includes conference registration - May 7th - May 9th, 2025 in Dallas, Texas!
To revisit keynotes and presentations, head to the PD+ Video Library; select platform as: “VEX” and “2025” in the search bar.
Book a 1-on-1 Session – These personalized sessions help answer your questions, brainstorm for your setting, and explore ways to implement VEX effectively.
Join the VEX Professional Learning Community (PLC) - These are your people! You can ask a trouble shooting question, you can share your latest classroom success story - this is a supportive community.
Explore Insights – Short, bi-monthly readings designed to provide inspiration and practical knowledge.
VEX Library in 25 Languages – Your go-to resource with hundreds of articles covering all things VEX.
Your Feedback Matters! – Share your experience, ask questions, or suggest new topics. Your input helps shape the future of VEX PD+.
Stay tuned for all the updates throughout 2025!
Let’s Go! 
March 3, 2025
Insights Article – Introducing VEX AIM outlines the full AIM learning journey—from driving with a controller to AI Vision and Python coding.
VEX AIM Library Articles – A dedicated Get Started section now guides users through setup, firmware updates, and button coding as an introduction to AIM’s coding pathway.
VEX AIM is getting closer to launch! The API, curriculum, and software updates are aligning to ensure a seamless classroom experience.
Accessibility Milestone: WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance – VEX GO, IQ, and V5 Labs now include audio descriptions & transcripts, ensuring full compliance.
New VEX IQ Build Instructions – Based on educator feedback, we’ve added passive manipulator build instructions to builds.vex.com. These help students understand mechanical connections before integrating with a full robot. More builds coming soon!
February 17, 2025
Insights Article February is CTE Month!
- Highlighted for its small footprint & hands-on experience, blending academics with real-world skills.
- Includes educator experiences from last year’s VEX Educators Conference & ACTE Conference.
- Want to share it? PD+ deep linking allows easy access!
IQ Educator Certification Intro Course now integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines
Overview of UDL to introduce concepts.
Personalized learning goals at the start and end of units.
Video summaries & time estimates for better pacing.
UDL call-outs to highlight specific guidelines for inclusive learning.
Texas TEKS standards have been separated from national standards at standards.vex.com.
- Teachers in Texas can now filter for TEKS-aligned VEX STEM Labs more easily.
V5 STEM Labs are now ADA compliant, including:
Transcripts for captions on all videos.
Audio descriptions for screen reader users.
Better contrast & keyboard accessibility for easier navigation.
These improvements bring V5 & IQ Labs in line with WCAG standards, ensuring compliance with federal and state accessibility requirements
February 3, 2025
Insights Article Why Spatial Skills Matter at Every Level
VEX PD+ Achieves UDL Product Certification 
Insights Article → VEX PD+ is Now UDL Product Certified
- VEX PD+ is now Universal Design for Learning (UDL) certified by CAST.
- This includes three major accessibility achievements:
- WCAG 2.1 compliance – Ensuring all PD+ content is accessible.
- UDL Baseline Certification – Embedding UDL principles in all courses.
- UDL in Action – Teachers can now see explicit UDL callouts in courses like the VEX 123 Certification.
- Teachers using PD+ can now apply UDL principles in their own classrooms more effectively.
Enhanced Accessibility for VEX Educators
- New Accessibility Site: accessibility.vex.com
- Features VEX’s VPAT statements and ongoing accessibility efforts.
- All VEX sites now include accessibility statements in their footers.
- STEM Lab Improvements:
IQ STEM Labs are now fully WCAG 2.1 AA compliant!
All videos now have descriptive audio and transcripts to support diverse learners.
Look for the new audio description logo on accessible labs.
Why this matters: These updates ensure that every learner can engage with VEX content, making STEM more inclusive!
Scratch Blocks Now Fully Accessible
- All VEX API blocks are now screen reader-friendly!
- No more static images—blocks are generated dynamically for:
- Faster page loads.
- Future translation efforts (making VEX content even more global).
- CTE Scratch Blocks will be live soon!
VEX Educators Conference 2025: Speaker & Schedule Page is Live! 
- Now you can:
- Browse accepted speakers and keynotes.
- Use the schedule to convince their leadership to attend!
- Keynote Speakers So Far:
- Dr. David Tourtezky (Carnegie Mellon University)
- Dr. Pam Gilchrist (Virginia Tech)
- Jason McKenna (VEX Robotics)
VEX CTE Standards Alignment for the UK can be found here.
