The Builder pathway in Imagine+ Math provides targeted skill development for students who need foundational support or are ready for above-grade-level content.
Note
All students begin in the Mastery pathway. After students complete an assessment, Imagine+ Math may recommend the Builder pathway. Educators review the recommendation and decide whether to apply it.
When to use the Builder pathway
Use the Builder pathway for students who need foundational skill development or are ready for above-grade-level content.
| Student placement | How the Builder pathway supports the student |
|---|---|
| Two or more grade levels below their enrolled grade | Provides explicit instruction and practice in foundational skills that support progress toward grade-level expectations. |
| One or more grade levels above their enrolled grade | Introduces advanced concepts and enrichment opportunities beyond the student’s enrolled grade level. |
Imagine+ Math can use results from Imagine+ Diagnostic, NWEA MAP Growth, or Renaissance Star to inform student placement and pathway recommendations. Educators can also use classroom observations when deciding whether the Builder pathway is a good fit.
What students experience
Builder pathway lessons use explicit, video-based instruction to introduce and develop mathematical ideas. Lessons use visual models, manipulatives, and scaffolded support to help students build conceptual understanding before moving to more independent work.
- Targeted content: The pathway prioritizes skills that support each student’s progress toward grade-level expectations or beyond.
- Age-appropriate presentation: Lessons are presented in a way that is appropriate for students’ age, even when they work on foundational skills.
- Mastery-based progression: Mastery Checks help determine what students see next and can allow students to move past content they have already mastered.
- Domain-level support: When assessment data shows significant skill gaps in a math domain, the Builder pathway can prioritize essential lower-grade lessons in that domain.
- Language and accessibility supports: The Builder pathway includes Spanish-language support, text-to-speech, and on-screen translation. Available supports vary by grade band and lesson.
Understand Builder pathway lessons
Builder pathway lessons include Mastery Checks at the beginning, middle, and end of a lesson. Students move through activities that provide instruction, practice, and support as they work toward mastery.
| Lesson component | What students do |
|---|---|
| Mastery Checks | Complete checks at the beginning, middle, and end of the lesson. Their performance helps determine what they see next, including whether they move ahead or receive additional support. |
| Instruction | Learn through direct, video-based instruction that uses visual models and clear explanations. |
| Supported Practice | Practice new skills with guided support, feedback, and tools that help students continue working when they need help. |
| Independent Practice | Apply the lesson skill independently. |
| Remediation | Receive targeted lower-grade content in a domain when they continue to struggle with Mastery Checks. |
| Printable resources | Use available lesson-connected resources, such as worksheets, Guided Notes, and journaling pages, to support offline instruction. Most printable resources are also available in Spanish. |
Support students in the Builder pathway
- Review pathway recommendations: Use assessment data and classroom observations to decide whether to switch students to the Builder pathway.
- Give students time in the pathway: Limit pathway changes to no more than twice during the school year so students have time to benefit from the pathway structure and show growth.
- Use Assignment Builder for short-term needs: Create targeted assignments for a specific skill gap or enrichment opportunity instead of changing a student’s primary pathway.
- Review student data: Use reports on student usage, progress, achievement, growth, and standards proficiency to plan next steps.
- Use Live Learning Support when available: Students in Grades 3–8 can connect with qualified online math tutors in English and Spanish during eligible lesson activities.
Recommendation
Use the Builder pathway when assessment results or classroom observations show that a student needs foundational skill development or is ready for enrichment. Use Assignment Builder when a student needs short-term practice or enrichment without changing their primary pathway.