2018
enVision A/G/A

High School - Gateway 3

Back to High School Overview
Cover for enVision A/G/A
Note on review tool versions

See the series overview page to confirm the review tool version used to create this report.

Loading navigation...

Gateway Ratings Summary

Usability

Gateway 3 - Meets Expectations
83%
Criterion 3.1: Use & Design
7 / 8
Criterion 3.2: Teacher Planning
6 / 8
Criterion 3.3: Assessment
8 / 10
Criterion 3.4: Differentiation
9 / 10
Criterion 3.5: Technology Use
Narrative Only

Criterion 3.1: Use & Design

7 / 8

Use and design facilitate student learning: Materials are well designed and take into account effective lesson structure and pacing.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVision A/G/A: Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 series meet expectations for being well designed and taking into account effective lesson structure and pacing. In the instructional materials, the underlying design distinguishes between problems and exercises, the design of assignments is not haphazard, and there is variety in how students are asked to present the mathematics.

Narrative Only

Indicator 3a

2 / 2

The underlying design of the materials distinguishes between problems and exercises. In essence, the difference is that in solving problems, students learn new mathematics, whereas in working exercises, students apply what they have already learned to build mastery. Each problem or exercise has a purpose.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations that the underlying design of the materials distinguish between problems and exercises. The materials distinguish between problems and exercises within each lesson. Most problems or exercises have a purpose. Each lesson starts with Explore & Reason to introduce the new concept for that lesson. Then, there are several examples that guide students through the learning of the content. The lessons end with exercises where students use what they have learned to develop procedural skills, application, and conceptual understanding as appropriate.

Indicator 3b

2 / 2

Design of assignments is not haphazard: exercises are given in intentional sequences.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet the expectations for having a design of assignments that are not haphazard but with problems and exercises given in intentional sequences. Exercises within student assignments are intentionally sequenced to build understanding and knowledge. There is a natural progression within student assignments leading to a full understanding of new mathematics. Within each set of exercises, students are brought back to the essential question for understanding. Students progress in each lesson by starting with problems that focus on understanding, move to practice exercises which are more procedural, and complete application problems.

Indicator 3c

2 / 2

There is variety in how students are asked to present the mathematics. For example, students are asked to produce answers and solutions, but also, arguments and explanations, diagrams, mathematical models, etc.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet the expectations that there is variety in how students are asked to present the mathematics. Students compute numerical answers while also providing diagrams and graphs. There are problems in each lesson that ask students a question about the mathematics and require them to explain their thinking. Each lesson includes at least one error-analysis problem where students must find, describe, and correct an error in mathematical work. Examples include:

  • In Algebra 1 Lesson 8-3, students graph quadratic functions using vertex form. In problem 40, students are presented with two ordered pairs identifying the path a soccer ball travels. Students determine the quadratic function in vertex form, defend possible solutions that can not be determined, and explain why. Students generate a realistic graph using technology to explore undetermined values as well as find values that generate a realistic graph. Students also explain how key features of the graph correspond to the given situation.
  • In Geometry Lesson 3-5, students construct an argument on the possibility of a figure having rotational symmetry and no reflectional symmetry. Students explain and give examples to construct arguments.
  • In Algebra 2 Lesson 6-2, problems 2 and 12, students analyze an error and explain or correct it. In problem 4, students explain the different parts of an exponential expression. In problems 7, 8 and 16-21, students compute the amount of money in an account at a certain time. In problem 15, students find two different equations to model a list of data and create a graph of the data and the equations.

Indicator 3d

1 / 2

Manipulatives, both virtual and physical, are faithful representations of the mathematical objects they represent and when appropriate are connected to written methods.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A partially meet the expectations that manipulatives, both virtual and physical, are faithful representations of the mathematical objects they represent, and when appropriate are connected to written methods. Manipulatives are not consistently correlated to written methods when appropriate. Examples include:

  • The materials occasionally direct students to use manipulatives within the materials, but the materials do not provide directions for the use of virtual manipulatives such as Desmos. For example, there were no Desmos screenshots or other supports offered in the materials.
  • Algebra tiles are used in Algebra 1, but there is no evidence of their use in Algebra 2 to make connections across the courses. Additionally, algebra tiles are used with quadratic expressions and equations, but there are not connections made within Algebra 1 to other concepts.
  • The Digital Math Tools include a graphing calculator and geometry tools to explore transformations, evaluate equations, and plot tables of data. The materials state, “Much more is always available to students and teachers at PearsonRealize.com”

Indicator 3e

Narrative Only

The visual design (whether in print or digital) is not distracting or chaotic, but supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVisionMath A/G/A series have a visual design that is not distracting or chaotic but supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject. The materials keep a consistent layout for topics and lessons. In general, the sections appear in the following order: Explore, Understand and Apply, Practice and Problem Solving, and Assess and Differentiate.

Pictures and models used throughout the series support student learning as these representations are connected directly to an investigation or problems being solved. The figures and models used do not distract from the mathematical content.

Criterion 3.2: Teacher Planning

6 / 8

Teacher Planning and Learning for Success with CCSS: Materials support teacher learning and understanding of the Standards.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVision A/G/A: Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 series partially meet expectations for supporting teacher learning and understanding of the Standards. The instructional materials support teachers in planning and providing effective learning experiences by providing quality questions, and the teacher edition contains ample and useful annotations and suggestions on how to present the content in the student edition and in ancillary materials. The instructional materials rarely explain the role of the specific mathematics standards in the context of the overall series, and the teacher edition partially include explanations and examples of the course-level mathematics specifically for teachers so that they can improve their own knowledge of the subject.

Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only

Indicator 3f

2 / 2

Materials support teachers in planning and providing effective learning experiences by providing quality questions to help guide students' mathematical development.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet the expectations for supporting teachers in planning and providing effective learning experiences by providing quality questions to help guide students’ mathematical development. Questions are consistently provided to teachers to help guide students’ mathematical development. For each topic throughout the series, teachers are provided a math background section, specific to the focus, coherence, rigor, and mathematical practices addressed, and a topic planner. Within the math background section, teachers are given a clear and concise explanation of what students will be covering, what concepts students should already know, and where the concepts lead. Each lesson begins with an Explore question in the student edition, and teachers are provided an assortment of questions to ask their students to encourage discourse and conceptual understanding, as well as providing support for productive struggle and differentiation. For example, in Algebra 1 Lesson 1-5, teachers are given the following: “How could you use words to describe the relationship between Skylar’s personal best and the district state records?” In addition, “How could you represent the solutions visually so they could be easily understood?”

Indicator 3g

2 / 2

Materials contain a teacher's edition with ample and useful annotations and suggestions on how to present the content in the student edition and in the ancillary materials. Where applicable, materials include teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet the expectations that the teacher edition contains ample and useful annotations and suggestions on how to present the content in the student edition and in ancillary materials. The materials provide an overview at the beginning of each topic explaining the overarching ideas. This overview is broken up among conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and applications.

Each lesson also includes useful annotations such as a lesson overview that contains student objectives, connections to previous and future content, common errors, vocabulary, and guiding questions with sample student answers. There is also a section with suggestions for advanced students, struggling students, and English Language Learners.

The teacher edition contains an abundance of teaching supports for both planning and in-class instruction. Within the side margins, teachers find highlights on effective teaching practices, essential questions, probing questions, habits of mind questions, additional examples, differentiated instruction supports for English Language Learners, advanced, and struggling students, and various common errors. However, the images for the student book are reduced to 25 percent, rendering them difficult to read and study.

Examples from the teachers edition that show useful annotations and suggestions include:

  • In Algebra 1 Lesson 3-3, the student edition gives the definitions of vertical and horizontal translations. The teacher edition suggests two questions to ask students to help them think about and make sense of these definitions.
  • In Geometry Lesson 3-2, the teacher edition provides a question to ask students at the beginning of the opening activity and specifies that this question is intended for the whole class. The teacher edition provides two more questions to ask students as they are completing the activity, specifying that the two additional questions should be asked to small groups. There are also two questions that the teacher could use to extend the thinking of early finishers, followed by one more question to summarize the activity for the whole group. The teacher edition also indicates that this activity could be done using an online tool instead of paper and gives a picture of what this tool looks like.

Indicator 3h

1 / 2

Materials contain a teacher's edition that contains full, adult--level explanations and examples of the more advanced mathematics concepts and the mathematical practices so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject, as necessary.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVision Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 partially meet expectations for the teacher edition containing full, adult-level explanations and examples of the more advanced mathematics concepts in the lessons so that teachers can improve their own knowledge.

The instructional materials provide narrative explanations for answers and solutions in the Teacher Edition and in the Answer and Solutions Application.The Teacher’s Edition include answers for “Do You Understand? And Do You Know How,” and Practice and Problem Solving tasks which include explanations that build teacher understanding of the mathematical content. In the Answer and Solutions Application, teachers are also given narrative explanations for answers and solutions. For example:

  • Algebra 1, Teacher Edition, Lesson 4.5, Problem 12, Teachers are provided with the following: “Answer may vary. Sample: A system of two linear inequalities is similar to a system of two linear equations because their solutions are determined by where the graphs of the inequalities or equations intersect or overlap. They are different because a system of linear equations has infinitely many solutions when the two equations in the system are equivalent. A system of linear inequalities can have infinitely many solutions even when the inequalities are not equivalent.
  • Geometry Lesson 4.5 Try It! The Answer and Solution Application states “Yes, there are two cases. If the congruent legs are include between the congruent acute angle and the right angles, the triangles are congruent by ASA. If the congruent leds are not included between the congruent acute angles and the right angles, the triangles are congruent by AAS.”
  • In Algebra 2, Answers and Solution Application, Lesson 2.5 Practice and Problem Solving Problem 11 “You can compare the zeros of the graph to the solutions you calculated and because completing the square rearranges the equation to vertex form you can also compare the vertex.

The instructional materials make connections in the Topic Overview, Math Bacjground and Coherence between prior knowledge, the lesson, and future content, but do not provide support for building teachers understanding of more advanced mathematical concepts. For example:

  • In Geometry Topic 6 Quadrilaterals and Other Polygons, Topic Overview, Math Background Coherence, Looking Ahead identifies Topic 9, Proofs Using Coordinate Geometry and states: “In Lesson 9-2, students will re-examine some Properties learned in Topic 6 and prove these properties using Coordinate Geometry. Inscribed Polygon in Topic 10, students will use the polygon interior Angle-Sum Theorem when studying inscribed angles and polygons. Trigonometry in Algebra 2, students will use polygon angle sums to generalize a formula for the side length of regular polygons.”
  • In Algebra 2, Topic 8, Math Background, Coherence, Looking Ahead connects the content of Topic 8, Trigonometric Equations and Identities to Precalculus Trigonometric Identities. “In Lesson 8-3, students verify and apply trigonometric identities and the sum and differences of formulas. In Precalculus, the will verify and evaluate functions involving Multiple-Angle Formulas, Product-to-Sum Formulas, and Sum-to-Product Formulas.”
  • In Algebra 1, Topic 6 Exponents and Exponential Functions, Topic Overview, Math Background, Coherence connects the content of this topic to additional topics in Algebra 1, and topics in Algebra 2: “Quadratic Functions In Topic 8, students will extend modeling with exponential functions to model using quadratic functions. Students will compare models using linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. In Topic 9, students will apply what they learned about rational exponents to solve quadratic equations containing radicals. Radical Function In Topic 10, students will apply their knowledge of radical exponents to solve radical equations. Students will also extend their knowledge of the effects of constants on functions as they transform radical functions. Algebra 2, Rational Exponents In Topic 5, students will build upon their skills of writing radicals and creating, solving, and graphing exponential functions, when writing, solving, and graphing radical functions.

Indicator 3i

1 / 2

Materials contain a teacher's edition that explains the role of the specific mathematics standards in the context of the overall series.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A partially meet the expectations that the materials contain a teacher edition that explains the role of the specific mathematics standards in the context of the overall series. The materials rarely explain the role of the specific mathematics standards in the context of the overall series. At the beginning of each topic, the teacher edition provides a page that discusses three types of connections: How the topic connects with what students have learned earlier in the course or previous courses. How different concepts are connected throughout the topic. Finally, it explains how that topic is connected to what students will learn later in the course or future courses. For example, in Algebra 1 Topic 3 Linear Functions, page 86B, there is an explanation of how this topic connects to Grade 8 work on functions as well as solving and graphing linear equations in Topics 1 and 2 of Algebra 1. There is also an explanation of how this topic will connect later in the course to topics such as transformations and quadratic functions and how this topic will connect to topics in Algebra 2. These descriptions do not reference specific mathematical standards.

Indicator 3j

Narrative Only

Materials provide a list of lessons in the teacher's edition, cross-- referencing the standards addressed and providing an estimated instructional time for each lesson, chapter and unit (i.e., pacing guide).

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A provide a list of lessons in the teacher edition, cross-referencing the standards addressed and providing an estimated instructional time for each lesson, topic, and unit. At the beginning of each topic, there is a Topic Planner that lists each lesson, the suggested number of days to spend on each lesson, the objective and essential understanding of each lesson, and the content and practice standards addressed in each lesson. There is no year-at-a-glance pacing guide to give teachers a one-page look at how many days each topic should take, but teachers can find this information by looking at each individual topic.

Indicator 3k

Narrative Only

Materials contain strategies for informing students, parents, or caregivers about the mathematics program and suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A provide some information for informing students, parents or caregivers about the mathematics program and suggestions for how they can support student progress and achievement. The materials include Virtual Nerd tutorials for every lesson. These videos can be accessed on any device including smartphones. Students and parents can download the free Virtual Nerd Mobile Math app to access tutorial videos at any time. There are no parent letters in the materials.

Some videos do not support the intentional development of the mathematical reasoning and explanation in connection to the high school content standards, as noted in the video for Algebra 1, Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities: “Just perform the order of operations in reverse. Don't forget that if you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must flip the sign of the inequality. That's one of the big differences between solving equations and solving inequalities.” This video provides a shortcut for students to use (flip the sign of the inequality) without providing mathematical reasoning or explanation for the shortcut.

Indicator 3l

Narrative Only

Materials contain explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research--based strategies.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A contain explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies. The materials state the program is built around three principles: a balanced pedagogy, a focus on visual learning, and a focus on effective teacher and learning. The teaching supports were created using NCTM’s Guiding Principles for School Mathematics, in particular Teaching and Learning. The program uses the Effective Mathematical Teaching Practices as a framework within which probing questions are developed.

Criterion 3.3: Assessment

8 / 10

Assessment: Materials offer teachers resources and tools to collect ongoing data about student progress on the Standards.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVision A/G/A: Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 series partially meet expectations for offering teachers resources and tools to collect ongoing data about student progress. The instructional materials provide strategies for gathering information about students' prior knowledge, support for teachers to identify and address common student errors and misconceptions, and clearly denote which standards are being emphasized on assessments. Ongoing review and practice is available in the digital materials but not in the print materials, and the materials do not include guidance for teachers to interpret student performance.

Narrative Only
Narrative Only

Indicator 3m

2 / 2

Materials provide strategies for gathering information about students' prior knowledge within and across grade levels/ courses.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for providing strategies for gathering information about students’ prior knowledge within and across courses. There is a pre-assessment that addresses prior knowledge, and this assessment includes content that is not on course level. These online pre-assessments are editable. Answer keys are provided along with a list of the prior standards associated with each item on the assessment. Each topic in the series includes a Topic Readiness assessment, also found online, that provides the same features as the pre-assessment.

Indicator 3n

2 / 2

Materials provide support for teachers to identify and address common student errors and misconceptions.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for providing support for teachers to identify and address common student errors and misconceptions. The materials highlight common student errors and/or misconceptions for teachers. The materials also provide strategies for teachers in addressing common student errors and/or misconceptions. In the teacher editions there are red boxes titled “Common Error” that describe common errors and misconceptions. There are at least two different descriptions of common errors in each lesson. Examples include:

  • In Algebra 1 Lesson 4-2, students solve systems of equations using the substitution method. In example 2, students compare the graphical representation to the substitution method. The materials note that students may incorrectly simplify when removing parentheses and solving for the variable using the substitution method. Teachers are prompted to remind students to use the distributive property and to guide them through a review of this property and how it applies to this context.
  • In Geometry Lesson 4-1, example 3, the teacher edition notes that students may have difficulty identifying why one polygon is not congruent to the other polygon when they are very close to being congruent. The teacher edition suggests that teachers focus students’ attention on two specific sides of the polygons and compare the rates of change between the endpoints of each segment.
  • In Algebra 2 Lesson 9-1, the teacher edition notes that students may substitute values into the wrong variable in the equation. The materials give information about creating a visual to help students not make this common error.

Indicator 3o

1 / 2

Materials provide support for ongoing review and practice, with feedback, for students in learning both concepts and skills.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A partially meet expectations for providing support for ongoing review and practice, with feedback, for students in learning both concepts and skills. The materials do not provide support for ongoing review and practice for students in learning concepts. The materials also do not provide support for teachers to provide feedback.

The problems in each lesson address the content taught in that lesson. There is no ongoing review and practice built into the materials. However, the online materials allow teachers to assign a 10-question mixed review for each section. This is not included in the print materials, only in the online materials. Students are given immediate feedback on whether each answer is correct or not. If the answer is incorrect, there is an explanation of the content, and students can try again to get the correct answer. After two or three attempts, the correct solution is shown, and students can choose to try a similar question or move on to the next question. These problems mainly address procedural skills. An example of a conceptual question from this digital source can be found in the mixed review for Algebra 2 Lesson 5-1. The first question states, “If a rational exponent represents the cube root of $$x^m$$, where m is a positive integer, how does the rational exponent change as m increases?” Students choose from a drop-down menu with choices that either the rational exponent increases or decreases as m increases. The remaining nine questions in the mixed review address procedural skills. There is no support for teachers in grading these assessments, as the feedback is provided by the digital device when answers are incorrect. There is no support for teachers in using this information as students progress through these digital online reviews.

Indicator 3p

Narrative Only

Materials offer ongoing assessments:

Indicator 3p.i

2 / 2

Assessments clearly denote which standards are being emphasized.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for assessments clearly denoting which standards are being emphasized. There are lesson quizzes at the end of each lesson, topic assessments and performance assessments at the end of each topic, four benchmark tests throughout the year, a mid-year assessment, and an end-of-course assessment for each course. Each of these assessments include an answer key and the standards being assessed for each item of the assessment. The benchmark tests, mid-year assessments, and end-of-course assessments are found online, not in the print materials.

Indicator 3p.ii

1 / 2

Assessments provide sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A partially meet expectations that the materials offer ongoing assessments that provide sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up. The materials do not include guidance for teachers to interpret student performance. The materials provide some suggestions for follow-up after students complete various assessments. Each lesson quiz provides suggestions of differentiated assignments based on scores from the quiz. These assignments include a print or digital assignment called Reteach to Build Understanding, an Additional Practice worksheet, an Enrichment worksheet, and a Vocabulary worksheet. There is no guidance for interpreting student performance, and there are no follow-up suggestions for any of the other assessments.

Indicator 3q

Narrative Only

Materials encourage students to monitor their own progress.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A do not encourage students to monitor their own progress.

Criterion 3.4: Differentiation

9 / 10

Differentiated instruction: Materials support teachers in differentiating instruction for diverse learners within and across grades.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVision A/G/A: Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 series meet expectations for supporting teachers in differentiating instruction for diverse learners within and across grades. The instructional materials provide teachers with strategies for meeting the needs of a range of learners, tasks with multiple entry-points that can be solved using a variety of solution strategies or representations, support, accommodations, and modifications for English Language Learners and other special populations, and support for advanced students to investigate mathematics content at greater depth.

Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only

Indicator 3r

1 / 2

Materials provide teachers with strategies to help sequence or scaffold lessons so that the content is accessible to all learners.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A partially meet expectations for providing teachers with strategies to help sequence or scaffold lessons so that the content is accessible to all learners. The materials provide some strategies to scaffold lessons, but there are no general statements about sequencing provided. The lessons do include common misconceptions for the teacher to point out, as well as a section that provides instructions on how to assist struggling students and advanced students; however, these sections only contain additional questions and explanations. They do not contain any information on how to sequence the lesson for any learner.

Indicator 3s

2 / 2

Materials provide teachers with strategies for meeting the needs of a range of learners.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for providing teachers with strategies for meeting the needs of a range of learners. Some general statements for the teacher about meeting the needs of all learners are included. There is also a section in the teacher edition with ideas and guiding questions to support struggling students with each lesson. The questions in this section are typically questions that help reinforce concepts students need to be successful in the lesson or questions that help build a student’s conceptual understanding of the lesson. There is also a section in the teacher edition for advanced students, which contains more complex problems for them to complete.

For example, in Geometry Topic 8-4, Teacher Edition page 36B, advanced students deepen their understanding as they explore the right triangle case of the Law of Cosines. Struggling students review how to use the Law of Cosines based on the abbreviations for triangle congruence.

Indicator 3t

2 / 2

Materials embed tasks with multiple entry-points that can be solved using a variety of solution strategies or representations.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for embedding tasks with multiple entry points that can be solved using a variety of solution strategies or representations. The materials provide teachers with guidance on helping students solve problems with multiple entry points. Some of the Mathematical Modeling in 3 Acts and STEM projects give students multiple entry points to a problem as well as allow students to try a variety of methods to solve the problem. Examples include:

  • In Algebra 1 Topic 3, Mathematical Modeling in 3 Acts, students determine whether it would be faster to check out in a regular line or an express line at a grocery store. Students are given information about a hypothetical situation involving a certain number of customers in each line as well as how many items each customer has. There are various ways students could approach this problem.
  • In Geometry Topic 3, STEM project, students draw a figure of any shape in a coordinate grid and write a script about this figure, including several transformations. Students can choose how simple or complex their figure will be and how simple or complex their script will be.

The teacher edition embeds Mathematical Modeling in 3 Acts into the pacing guide, but it does not include the STEM projects into this guide. There are no suggestions of where to use the STEM projects or how much time to allow for them.

Indicator 3u

2 / 2

Materials provide support, accommodations, and modifications for English Language Learners and other special populations that will support their regular and active participation in learning mathematics (e.g., modifying vocabulary words within word problems).

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for providing support, accommodations, and modifications for English Language Learners and other special populations that will support their regular and active participation in the learning of mathematics. Within each topic in the teacher edition, the series provides guidance for beginning, intermediate, and advanced ELL students. Students are also given access to read and listen for English and Spanish definitions. Each lesson provides a Concept Summary which includes definitions of the introduced vocabulary. Students are provided multiple representations of the concepts addressed within the lesson.

There are strategies for special populations to practice vocabulary as seen in Algebra 2 Lesson 4-2, Teacher Edition page 209B, Mathematical Literacy and Vocabulary, which help ELL and other special populations to develop and reinforce understanding of key terms and concepts. Each practice section begins with “Do you understand,” from which teachers can modify pacing for special populations as needed.

Indicator 3v

2 / 2

Materials provide support for advanced students to investigate mathematics content at greater depth.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A meet expectations for providing support for advanced students to investigate mathematics content at a greater depth. The materials provide multiple opportunities for advanced learners to investigate the course-level mathematics at a greater depth. There are no instances of advanced students doing more problems than their classmates. Each topic begins with a Topic Readiness Assessment which, based on students’ performance, assigns a study plan tailored to student’s specific needs, including advanced students. Each lesson provides teachers with additional problems for advanced students. Examples of enrichment for advanced learners include:

  • In Geometry Lesson 7-1, Teacher Edition page 305, an extension is provided of a problem on dilations.
  • In Algebra 2 Lesson 3-2, Teacher Edition page 141, an extension is provided for advanced students to extend their work with polynomial functions.

Teachers are also provided an assignment guide for advanced students for each lesson.

Indicator 3w

Narrative Only

Materials provide a balanced portrayal of various demographic and personal characteristics.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A provide a balanced portrayal of various demographic and personal characteristics. The photos and illustrations of people show a variety of demographics. The names and situations portrayed in the series are diverse.

Indicator 3x

Narrative Only

Materials provide opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A provide opportunities and directions for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies. The materials focus on mathematical discourse, collaboration, teamwork, individualized work, and whole group. Examples include:

  • In Geometry Topic 11, STEM project, students work with a small group to design a package for a product of their choice. The students are given various factors to design their package and defend their choice to other students.
  • In Algebra 2 Lesson 3-2, Teacher Edition page 130, teachers guide students utilizing whole group, small group, and individual work as noted in the margins.

Indicator 3y

Narrative Only

Materials encourage teachers to draw upon home language and culture to facilitate learning.

The instructional materials reviewed by enVisionMath A/G/A do not encourage teachers to draw upon home language and culture. At the beginning of every lesson, there is a Vocabulary Building activity in the teacher edition that focuses on both mathematical vocabulary and academic vocabulary. The activities that launch each lesson promote and reinforce key language skills of speaking and listening as students defend their solutions strategies. Learner strategies sometimes provide guidance for teachers on how to engage students with different levels of language acquisition; however, the materials do not provide guidance on how to integrate home language into daily classroom activities.

Criterion 3.5: Technology Use

Narrative Only

Effective technology use: Materials support effective use of technology to enhance student learning. Digital materials are accessible and available in multiple platforms.

The instructional materials reviewed for the enVision A/G/A: Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 series integrate technology in ways that engage students in the Mathematical Practices and are web-based and compatible for multiple internet browsers. The instructional materials also include opportunities to assess student mathematical understandings and knowledge of procedural skills using technology, to personalize learning for all students, and to easily customize for local use. The instructional materials do not include or reference technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other.

Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only
Narrative Only

Indicator 3aa

Narrative Only

Digital materials (either included as supplementary to a textbook or as part of a digital curriculum) are web-based and compatible with multiple internet browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.). In addition, materials are "platform neutral" (i.e., are compatible with multiple operating systems such as Windows and Mac and are not proprietary to any single platform) and allow the use of tablets and mobile devices.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A are web-based and compatible for multiple internet browsers. In addition, materials are “platform neutral” and allow the use of tablets and mobile devices.

  • The Virtual Nerd Mobile Math app is accessible on iOS and Android devices.
  • Materials are compatible with various devices including iPads, laptops, Chromebooks, and other devices that connect to the internet with a browser.

Indicator 3ab

Narrative Only

Materials include opportunities to assess student mathematical understandings and knowledge of procedural skills using technology.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A include opportunities to assess student mathematical understandings and knowledge of procedural skills using technology. In Pearson Realize, teachers can assign the same examples from the materials. From these examples, students receive immediate feedback on whether their answers are correct or incorrect. Teachers can assign additional problems that address procedural skills and conceptual understanding for the students to complete for each individual lesson. In addition to assigning problems for each individual lesson, teachers can also assign quizzes and assessments within each topic and across topics.

Indicator 3ac

Narrative Only

Materials can be easily customized for individual learners.

Indicator 3ac.i

Narrative Only

Digital materials include opportunities for teachers to personalize learning for all students, using adaptive or other technological innovations.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A include opportunities for teachers to personalize learning for all students using adaptive or other technological innovations. Adaptive practice and homework powered by Knewton provide personalized practice based on each student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Indicator 3ac.ii

Narrative Only

Materials can be easily customized for local use. For example, materials may provide a range of lessons to draw from on a topic.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A can be easily customized for local use. For each topic throughout the entire series, students are provided an online Topic Readiness Assessment. This assesses students' understanding of prerequisite concepts and skills. These are auto-scored, online assessments, and based on their performance, students could be assigned a study plan tailored to their specific learning needs. Additionally, after each lesson of each topic throughout the series, students can complete a quiz to assess their understanding of the mathematics in the lesson. Teachers may use the students' scores to prescribe differentiated assignments. Assignments and assessments can be edited. Teachers have access to problem banks to customize assignments and assessments as well.

Indicator 3ad

Narrative Only

Materials include or reference technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other (e.g. websites, discussion groups, webinars, etc.).

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A do not include or reference technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other. There is no reference to any type of technology that allows for collaboration.

Indicator 3z

Narrative Only

Materials integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the Mathematical Practices.

The instructional materials reviewed for enVisionMath A/G/A integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the Mathematical Practices. Each lesson has embedded digital math tools that are accessible during instruction. Online practice powered by MathXL offers differentiated assignments and daily homework and assignments. For example:

  • Geometry Lesson 4-1 utilizes Desmos to explore a sequence dividing a circular area with chords to find a pattern.
  • In every lesson, students can complete in-class work in Pearson Realize.
  • Students can access instructional tutorials using the Virtual Nerd app.