Note
All students begin in the Mastery pathway by default. Move students to the Builder pathway if assessment results or classroom observations confirm a significant need.
The Builder pathway in Imagine+ Math is designed for students who are performing two or more grades below their rostered grade or for those performing above grade level and ready for enrichment. This pathway provides targeted skill development and explicit instruction, helping each learner make efficient progress toward grade-level mastery or beyond. This article outlines who the pathway serves, its essential features, and how instruction and adaptivity work.
Who is the Builder pathway for?
- Students performing two or more grades below their current grade who need focused remediation in foundational skills.
- Students performing one or more grades above their current grade who are ready for enrichment and above-grade-level content.
- Learners who benefit from explicit, video-based instruction, adaptive pacing, and frequent checks for understanding.
Key features of the Builder pathway
- Flexible placement: Assign students based on assessment data (Imagine+ Diagnostic, NWEA MAP Growth, Renaissance Star) or educator discretion.
- Targeted essential skills: Prioritizes foundational content for below-level students; introduces new concepts and enrichment for advanced students.
- Explicit, video-based instruction: Lessons begin with clear, direct teaching using visual models, manipulative supports, and “think aloud” strategies.
- Adaptive pacing and frequent mastery checks: Every lesson includes up to 3 mastery checks (beginning, middle, end), each with 5 questions. Scoring 80% or higher allows the student to accelerate past further practice on that skill; otherwise, additional support is provided.
- Gradual release model: Moves students from explicit modeling and guided practice to independent application.
- Domain-level personalization: If an assessment shows a student is below grade level in specific math domains, the pathway is front-loaded with essential lessons from those lower grades, allowing them to focus on closing the most impactful gaps before proceeding.
- Age-appropriate presentation: Content is visually and contextually matched to each student's developmental level, so students engage with material suitable for their age, even when studying foundational concepts.
- Comprehensive language and accessibility supports: Lessons and supports are fully available in Spanish, with on-screen translation for 60+ languages and text-to-speech for 45 languages.
- Live Learning Support: Grades 3–5 students can connect with on-demand tutors in English or Spanish for real-time assistance during critical learning moments.
- Printable offline resources: Every lesson includes downloadable worksheets in English and Spanish for targeted small-group or at-home practice.
How placement and adaptivity work
- Assessment-based assignment: After completing beginning-of-year or new assessments, students are recommended for Builder if they receive a placement two or more grades below or one or more above their rostered grade. Pathway changes are managed by educators and should be based on evidence of need.
- Personalized learning paths: Pathways prioritize essential skills in domains where students need remediation, accelerate students as they demonstrate mastery at checkpoints, and offer enrichment content for students above grade level.
- Flexible intervention: Frequent pathway changes are not recommended; supplement with the Assignment Builder for targeted needs or enrichment as needed.
Lesson structure and adaptivity in Builder
| Lesson Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Mastery Checks (up to 3 per lesson) |
|
| Instruction |
|
| Supported Practice |
|
| Independent Practice |
|
| Remediation |
|
| Printable Worksheet |
|
Best practices for educators
- Assign students to Builder only after reviewing assessment data or classroom performance.
- Set clear usage goals: 45 minutes/week for K–2, 60 minutes/week for 3–5, aiming for 30 lessons passed per year.
- Monitor mastery check and lesson performance using dashboards and reports.
- Leverage offline worksheets and open-ended prompts for targeted intervention or remediation when students need extra support.
- Encourage students to use language and accessibility tools—particularly for multilingual learners or those needing alternative formats.
- Use the Assignment Builder for additional targeted skills practice rather than switching pathways frequently.
Recommendation
Use Builder for students significantly below or above grade level; supplement with targeted assignments and offline resources for temporary support needs. Monitor progress and transition students back to Mastery when remediation is no longer needed or when they are ready to focus on grade-level content.
Summary
- The Builder pathway delivers targeted, explicit, and adaptive instruction for students who need substantial remediation or enrichment.
- Consistent lesson structure, formative checks, and rich supports ensure all learners make efficient progress toward grade-level mastery or beyond.
- Developmental differences are respected, with lesson design and offline resources tailored to each grade band.
- Educators retain full control over pathway assignments and should use Builder thoughtfully, supported by robust reports and custom assignment tools.