Students walk into math class already knowing tomorrow’s big idea.
Preview Tonight makes short, standards-aligned grade 8 math preview videos that your school sends to students and families the night before a lesson. In about three to five minutes, students meet the key words, see a worked example, and try a warm-up question, so class starts with a head start.
How it works
Preview Tonight fits into the routines your school already has. Three steps, and families have something short and useful to watch together.
We match your pacing
We align each preview to the California grade 8 math standards and to the program and pacing calendar your teachers already use.
Your school sends it the night before
The school shares the preview link through its own messaging system, whichever one you already use with families.
Students arrive ready
Students come to class already familiar with the key words and the big idea, so teachers can move into the lesson with more students on board.
What’s in a preview
Every preview follows the same friendly shape, so students and families know what to expect each night. Each one runs about three to five minutes and comes in English and in Spanish.
A warm intro
An everyday situation, like comparing two taco shops, that shows why tomorrow’s idea matters.
Key words
Two or three terms to listen for in class, each with a plain meaning and the Spanish term alongside.
A worked example
One example worked step by step on screen, with clear equations, tables and graphs.
A quick warm-up
One question to think about before class, so students bring an idea with them in the morning.
Sample lesson
Our first sample is being finished now. Here is what it covers.
Grade 8: Solving systems by graphing
English and Spanish versions
Where two lines meet
Two taco shops deliver at different prices. Students write an equation for each, build quick tables, graph both lines, and find the point where the lines cross. Then they check that point in both equations and talk about what it means for the order.
- About five minutes, with a Spanish version narrated in Spanish
- Captions and a full transcript in each language
- Presented by an AI presenter, with accurate math animations built and checked by our team
- Reviewed by an experienced bilingual math teacher before release
Would you like to see it as soon as it is ready? Request a call or email rob@previewtonight.com and we will send you the link.
The free spring 2027 pilot
We are offering a free pilot in spring 2027 for California middle schools in CSI, TSI or ATSI support that are working to raise math scores. The pilot is designed with a comparison group, so your school can see the results in its own data.
What your school receives
- Grade 8 math previews in English and Spanish, matched to your pacing calendar
- A first set on linear equations, systems of equations and functions
- Ready-to-send links and a short family note for your messaging system
- A simple plan for choosing the comparison group with your team
What the pilot will measure
- How grade 8 students who receive previews do on CAASPP math, compared with a similar group
- How many previews your school sends, in English and in Spanish, across the pilot
- What teachers notice about readiness at the start of class
- What families share in a short, optional feedback survey
The study design aims toward ESSA Tier 3 (promising) evidence, so the results can support your school plan.
Privacy and student data
Preview Tonight is built so your school stays in charge of student and family information.
Your messaging system
Your school sends the previews through the messaging system it already uses with families.
Your contact lists
Your school keeps its student and family contact lists. Previews are shared as links your staff send.
A signed agreement
We work under a signed data privacy agreement using the California NDPA.
Accessibility and Spanish
Made for every family
Each preview has captions and a full transcript. The narration carries all of the math, graphs use line styles and labels along with color, and on-screen text uses high contrast. Our design targets WCAG 2.1 AA.
A true Spanish version
Every preview has its own Spanish version, narrated in Spanish with Spanish on-screen labels, so families can watch together in the language they prefer.
About Preview Tonight
Preview Tonight is a Trilogy Performance Media, LLC company based in Canyon Lake, California. It was founded by Robert Sieck, RN, MHA, to give grade 8 students and their families a short, friendly look at tomorrow’s math the night before class.
“I am building Preview Tonight so that more students walk into math class already familiar with the words and the big idea. I would love to work with your team on a free pilot in spring 2027 and look at the results together.”
Robert Sieck, RN, MHA
Founder, Preview Tonight
Contact
Robert Sieck, RN, MHAFounder, Preview Tonight
A Trilogy Performance Media, LLC company
rob@previewtonight.com
(210) 862-1308
30113 Buck Tail Drive
Canyon Lake, CA 92587
Request a call
Tell us a little about your school or district and Rob will reach out to set up a short call at a time that works for you. You can also email rob@previewtonight.com directly.