Imagine Math: Getting Started Guide for Teachers

Imagine Math is an interactive, adaptive software that accelerates mathematics proficiency for students in grades six through twelve at IDEA Public Schools. This software will supplement, but not replace, the core mathematics curriculum at all IDEA College Preparatory schools in all states.

In this article:

• Guidelines for using Imagine Math
• When/How to assign student work 
• Imagine Math Benchmark Assessments
• Course Pathways in Imagine Math

Guidelines for using Imagine Math

      Teachers may use Imagine Math to:

• • Close prerequisite unfinished learning in mathematical knowledge and skills
  • Offer more “at bats” (practice) with on-grade-level lessons
  • Extend learning for students who are ready for more advanced content.

Suggested Usage:

Recommended usage for Imagine Math is 45 minutes (or 2–3 lessons) per week. Students can access Imagine Math on any device that has internet, and all IDEA students have a district-provided laptop for this purpose. Students can work on math in class, at home, at the library, on iPads, or even phones. The recommended browser is Google Chrome.

Goal:

Students should pass 30 lessons before the end of the school year. Students who pass 30 or more lessons in the default pathway show statistically significant higher scores on state assessments.

How/When Should Students be Assigned to Work in Imagine Math?

Imagine Math is an instructional tool that IDEA has adopted to help students fill in gaps of knowledge due to unfinished learning. The adaptive nature helps meet students where they are and provides them with instruction that is just right for them. Imagine Math should be used to supplement the IDEA curriculum and should NOT be used to replace daily lessons. The details of implementation may look different from campus to campus.

Suggested Times for Use:

• On Flex Days
• Twice a week for 30 mins during math block
• For Homework
• During Intervention
• During Tutorials

Imagine Math Benchmark Assessments

Benchmark Assessments provide teachers with the data they need to appropriately assign lessons to complete unfinished learning, provide more on-level practice opportunities, or extend student learning to more in -depth and advanced topics. The Benchmark does not replace the RenStar Math assessment in grades 6 & 7.

Course Pathways in Imagine Math

The course pathway is individualized for each student based on the results of the benchmark assessments. In order to support students’ on-level and unfinished learning, it is strongly recommended that students spend the majority of their Imagine Math time in their course pathway. This pathway is developed to scaffold student unfinished learning while maintaining their progression of on-level course work. Additional option for teachers and administrators to create custom pathways is also available. Students may be assigned multiple pathways throughout the school year.

The IDEA Mathematics Curriculum Managers have provided the following table for initial placement of students based upon the math course they are enrolled.

Need more help?

• Learn how to login and troubleshoot common issues in the Imagine Math: Access and FAQ for Teachers.
• Visit the Imagine Math: Getting Started Guide for Students.
• Learn how to navigate Benchmark Reports in the Imagine Math Benchmark Report Guide. 
• Request support or browse guides in the Imagine Math Help Center.