Note
This article applies to the following products:
- Imagine MyPath Math
- Imagine MyPath Reading
Domain placement in Imagine MyPath (Math and Reading/ELA) uses diagnostic assessment results to personalize each student’s learning path at the skill level—not just by overall grade. This approach helps educators identify individual strengths and learning gaps, so students receive the right content at the right time.
This article explains how diagnostic assessments determine domain placement, how that shapes student learning paths in MyPath, the main benefits for teachers and students, and how to observe or adjust placements in action.
How domain placement works
- Students complete a diagnostic assessment such as the Imagine+ Diagnostic or NWEA MAP Growth.
- Each assessment measures multiple skill domains (for example, Math: Number Sense, Geometry; Reading/ELA: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary).
- The program assigns a placement grade for every domain, identifying each student’s learning needs and strengths area-by-area.
- Each domain in the student’s path starts at the level where the student needs the most support, progressing as they demonstrate mastery.
Assessment requirements
Imagine+ Diagnostic and NWEA MAP Growth provide domain-level placement for MyPath Math and Reading/ELA. Renaissance Star provides only overall grade-level placement.
How assessment domains map to lesson content
Assessment results are matched to specific lesson domains using standards-aligned mapping (see our Common Core, Florida’s B.E.S.T., and TEKS guides). If several assessment domains relate to one lesson domain, the lowest placement grade is used so that foundational gaps are addressed first. Domain and lesson names may differ by grade, standards, or product version.
How domain placement shapes student learning paths
- Lesson selection and sequence are tailored to each student’s strengths and needs by domain.
- Remediation: Students below grade level in a domain begin with lessons designed to build foundational skills.
- Acceleration: Students on or above grade level in a domain receive content at their demonstrated level, progressing as they master each topic.
Example of a personalized path
When a student scores below grade level in certain domains, a personalized learning path is created. This path focuses on the most essential skills needed to help the student catch up efficiently.
For example, the image below shows a Grade 5 student who is performing below grade level in multiple domains. Their performance places them at a Grade 2 level in Domain A, a Grade 3 level in Domain B, and a Grade 4 level in Domain C. The student's personalized path is then built to efficiently address these gaps, including only the essential skills from Grades 2, 3, and 4 needed to help them catch up to their grade-level content. Nonessential lessons (gray bars) are removed to help the student progress faster toward proficiency.
Note: Content Bridge for Above-Grade Students
For students whose overall placement grade is above their rostered grade, educators can enable the Content Bridge. When the bridge is disabled (default), students start directly at their placement grade. When enabled, they begin with a condensed set of lessons from their rostered grade before advancing.
Learn more about managing learning paths and the Content Bridge
Educator control
Educators can override placements, lock placement settings, enable or disable bridge lessons, and use the Assignment Builder tool to add targeted practice or enrichment to any student’s path.
Benefits of domain placement
- Personalized instruction: Each student’s path targets specific strengths and growth areas by domain.
- Efficient learning: More time is spent on skills students need, less on skills they’ve already mastered.
- Actionable data: Progress reports reveal domain-by-domain performance and help focus teaching and support.
- Instructional flexibility: Teachers always have the option to adjust placements and customize assignments as needed.
- Age-appropriate content: Even foundational skills are taught in a way that is meaningful and respectful for the student’s age and grade.
How to observe domain placement in action
- The Student Progress report displays the domain and grade level for each lesson assigned, as well as any recent placement or path adjustments.
- Students’ learning paths will reflect domain placement: you’ll see lower-grade lessons in domains with learning gaps, and paths that avoid unnecessary repetition.
- Any educator overrides or path changes will be clearly shown in placement and progress reports.