Using Imagine Math as the Adaptive Practice Companion (APC) to Imagine Illustrative Math (Imagine IM)

 Note

This article applies only to customers who are also using Imagine Illustrative Math (Imagine IM).

Imagine Math can be used as an Adaptive Practice Companion (APC) alongside Imagine IM to provide students with targeted, standards‑aligned practice to reinforce core instruction. 

Imagine Math is a supplemental solution and does not replace core Imagine IM instruction. Instead, the APC model is designed to protect the integrity of problem‑based core instruction while offering additional opportunities for practice and review.

When paired with Imagine IM, Imagine Math takes on the role of APC to:

  • Extend and reinforce learning from Imagine IM lessons
  • Provide differentiated, adaptive practice for all students, based on student performance
  • Target mastery of grade-level skills
  • Provide feedback and support to guide students through learning
  • Expand data and assessment insights for teachers
  • Align directly to Imagine IM units and standards (Grades 3+)

 Note

Imagine Math and Imagine IM run on two different platforms and there is no data sharing between the two. Both teachers and students will use separate logins for each program.

Imagine Math is separated into 2 environments, PreK–2 and 3+. Use the tabs below to see how each environment works alongside Imagine IM.

Students in Grades PreK–2 Students in Grades 3+

Overview 

In Imagine Math PreK–2, students engage in:

  • Story‑based and play‑centered activities
  • Songs, games, and interactive exercises
  • Visual and contextualized math vocabulary

Language Support

Imagine Math PreK-2 is fully available for students in both English and Spanish. This includes the audio as well as the written text on the screen.

IMprek2 spanish.png

Content Crosswalk
Visit Content > Teacher Resources and select Pathways in the Category drop-down to access the Illustrative Math Pathways Grades PreK–2 crosswalk.
prek-2 Illustrative math crosswalk - how to find.png

The last column of the crosswalk lists Imagine Math content associated with each Imagine IM unit and section.
example of crosswalk for Grade PreK with Imagine IM.png

As an educator, you have access to all of the lessons, songs, and games in Imagine Math PreK–2 and can use the Lesson Explorer inside the Imagine Math platform to locate which of the correlated activities you'd like to use with your students to support standards-based core Imagine IM instruction.

Then, you can present the activities on a whiteboard or other device for whole class instruction. Of special note are the songs. For example, one fan favorite is the Hungry Crocodile song which teaches greater than and less than.

finding the hungry crocodile song.png

In addition to teacher-led instruction, you can also have students log in and work independently on their grade-level pathway. The pathway is a system-generated series of lessons that is automatically assigned to students based on their rostered grade. The original group of lessons is the same for all students in that grade, but, based on how students perform on their assessment, additional precursor lessons may be added to each student's pathway based on their need.

Student Data

Students take a Benchmark assessment shortly after beginning to use Imagine Math. The Benchmark assessment provides a Quantile measure for each student. If you choose to administer at least one other Benchmark in the same school year, then you will be able to measure growth for each student based on the change in their Quantile measure.

The Benchmark also provides a Performance Level for students in Grade K and up.

Implementation Guidance

Use Imagine Math as supplemental practice outside core Imagine IM instruction. Set a consistent weekly routine so students use the program often enough to build momentum without replacing the core math block.

Recommendation Imagine Math PreK–2 Imagine Math 3+
Weekly time At least 45 minutes per week At least 60 minutes per week
Lesson completion 1–2 lessons per week 1–2 lessons per week
School-year goal 30 lessons passed 30 lessons passed

You can divide the weekly time into two or three shorter sessions each week. For APC use, assign this work during advisory, flex time, homework, or other time outside the core Imagine IM block. See Implementation models for Imagine Math for more information.

Teacher Use and Expectations

When using Imagine Math as an APC, teachers typically:

  • Monitor student progress using available reports
  • Review mastery trends and skill gaps
  • Use data to inform small‑group instruction or intervention
  • Explore lessons, reports, and offline resources in the Teacher Dashboard

Imagine Math data can be used in combination with Imagine IM data to support instructional decisions.

Additional Support

Contact your Imagine Learning Customer Success Manager (CSM) or visit the Imagine Math Help Center for additional resources specific to Imagine Math. You can also consult the Imagine IM Help Center, available after you log in to Imagine IM.