2024

enVision Mathematics

Publisher
Savvas Learning Company
Subject
Math
Grades
K-8
Report Release
10/09/2024
Review Tool Version
v1.5
Format
Core: Comprehensive

EdReports reviews determine if a program meets, partially meets, or does not meet expectations for alignment to college and career-ready standards. This rating reflects the overall series average.

Alignment (Gateway 1 & 2)
Meets Expectations

Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.

Usability (Gateway 3)
Meets Expectations
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About This Report

Report for 4th Grade

Alignment Summary

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for Alignment to the CCSSM. In Gateway 1, the materials meet expectations for focus and coherence, and in Gateway 2, the materials meet expectations for rigor and practice-content connections.

4th Grade
Alignment (Gateway 1 & 2)
Meets Expectations
Gateway 3

Usability

25/27
0
17
24
27
Usability (Gateway 3)
Meets Expectations
Overview of Gateway 1

Focus & Coherence

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for focus and coherence. For focus, the materials assess grade-level content and provide all students extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards. For coherence, the materials are coherent and consistent with the CCSSM.

Criterion 1.1: Focus

06/06

Materials assess grade-level content and give all students extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for focus as they assess grade-level content and provide all students extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards.

Indicator 1A
02/02

Materials assess the grade-level content and, if applicable, content from earlier grades.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for assessing grade-level content and, if applicable, content from earlier grades. Probability, statistical distributions, similarities, transformations, and congruence do not appear in the assessments.

The series is divided into topics that include a Topic Assessment, available for online and/or paper and pencil delivery, and a Topic Performance Task. Additional assessments include a Grade 4 Readiness Test; Basic-Facts Timed Tests; four Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments addressing Topics 1–4, 1–8, 1–12, and 1–16; and Progress Monitoring Assessments A–C. Assessments can be found in the digital teacher interface and the Assessment Sourcebook online or in print. The materials include an ExamView Test Generator allowing teachers to build customized tests.

Examples of items that assess grade-level content include:

  • Topic 7, Assessment, Problem 13, “Jared says all even numbers less than 20 are composite. Find an even number less than 20 that is NOT composite. Explain why the number is not composite.” (4.OA.4)

  • Topic 9, Online Assessment, Problem 1, “For each row of the table, choose the equivalent expression.” The materials provide students with a table showing 512+412\frac{5}{12}+\frac{4}{12}, (112+312)+312)(\frac{1}{12}+\frac{3}{12})+\frac{3}{12}), 112+212+312\frac{1}{12}+\frac{2}{12}+\frac{3}{12}, and 1512712\frac{15}{12}-\frac{7}{12} as the columns and 412+412\frac{4}{12}+\frac{4}{12}, 112+(312+312)\frac{1}{12}+(\frac{3}{12}+\frac{3}{12}), 412+512\frac{4}{12}+\frac{5}{12}, and 212+212+212\frac{2}{12}+\frac{2}{12}+\frac{2}{12} as the rows. (4.NF.1)

  • Topic 12, Performance Task, Problem 2, “Analyze the amount of money that the students raised. Use the Walking to Raise Money for Animals table. Part A How much more money did Yuna raise than Ali? Draw bills and coins to show your work. Part B Hayley got the same amount of money for each mile she walked. How much did she get for each mile? Draw bills and coins to show your work.” (4.MD.2)

  • Topics 1–4, Online Cumulative/Benchmark Assessment, Problem 14, “Which of the following shows how to find 3×8193 \times 819? Which property was used? A) 819×3=2,457819 \times 3 = 2,457; Associative Property B) 3×(8+1+9)=3×17=513 \times (8 + 1 + 9) = 3 \times 17 = 51; Commutative Property C) 3×(800+10+9)=2,400+30+27=2,4573 \times (800 + 10 + 9) = 2,400 + 30 + 27 = 2,457; Distributive Property D) 3×(800901)=2,4002703=2,1273 \times (800 - 90 - 1) = 2,400 - 270 - 3 =2,127; Distributive Property ” (4.NBT.5)

Indicator 1B
04/04

Materials give all students extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for giving all students extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards.

The materials attend to the full intent of the grade-level standards by giving all students extensive work with grade-level problems. All Topics include a topic project, and every other topic incorporates a 3-Act Mathematical Modeling Task. During the Solve and Share, Visual Learning Bridge, and Convince Me!, students explore ways to solve problems using multiple representations and prompts to reason and explain their thinking. Guided Practice provides students the opportunity to solve problems and check for understanding. During Independent Practice, students work with problems in various formats to integrate and extend concepts and skills. The Problem Solving section includes additional practice problems for each of the lessons. Examples of extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of grade-level standards include:

  • In Topic 6, Lessons 6-3 and 6-5, students engage in extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of 4.OA.3 (Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding). In Lesson 6-3, Solve & Share, students use multiplication and subtraction to solve a multistep word problem. “Last year, 18 people went on a family camping trip. This year, three times as many people went. How many more people went this year than last year? Complete the bar diagram and show how you solve.” Pictured are labeled bar diagrams that represent the situation. Lesson 6-5, Convince Me!, students reason about the remainder answer for a division problem. “Does the answer of 11 rows make sense for the problem above? Explain.” In Independent Practice, Problem 3, students write equations to solve multi-step problems and use estimation to determine if their answer is reasonable. “Vanya bought 5 medium packages of buttons and 3 small packages of buttons. What was the total number of buttons Vanya bought?” Pictured is a table showing the number of beads and buttons in small, medium, and large packages. 

  • In Topic 9, Lessons 9-1, 9-2, 9-4, and 9-5, students engage in extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of 4.NF.3 (Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b). In Lesson 9-1, Independent Practice, Problem 8, students find the sum of fractions with common denominators. "16+26+36\frac{1}{6}+\frac{2}{6}+\frac{3}{6} and provides the image of the fractions on a number line. In Lesson 9-2, Enrichment, Problem 2, students identify two pets whose votes add to 810\frac{8}{10}. Shown is a chart representing pet names and the corresponding fraction of student votes. In Lesson 9-4, Practice Buddy: Additional Practice, Problem 2, students use fraction strips to find the difference "910410\frac{9}{10}-\frac{4}{10}”  In Lesson 9-5, Problem Solving, Problem 20, students explain the similarities of subtracting fractions and subtraction. “Explain how subtracting 4535\frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{5} involves subtracting 4-3.”

  • In Topic 11, Lessons 11-1 - 11-3, students engage in extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of 4.MD.4 (Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots). In Lesson 11-1, Solve & Share, students use a line plot to answer word problem questions. “Emily went fishing. She plotted the lengths of 12 fish caught on the line plot shown. What was the length of the longest fish caught? What was the length of the shortest fish caught? Solve this problem any way you choose.” Provided is a line plot that displays fish lengths in 14\frac{1}{4}-increments. In Guided Practice, Problems 3-5, students interpret a line plot that displays giraffe heights in 12\frac{1}{2}-increments. “3. How many giraffes are 14 feet tall? 4. What is the most common height? 5. How tall is the tallest giraffe?” In Lesson 11-2, Problem Solving, Problems 8 and 9, students make a line plot to display daily distances in 18\frac{1}{8}-increments and write a question that requires addition or subtraction of the given data. “8. Trisha measured how far her snail moved each day for 5 days. Make a line plot of Trisha’s data. 9. Higher Order Thinking Write a question that would require addition or subtraction to solve using Trisha’s data. What is the answer?” In Lesson 11-3, Reteach to Build Understanding, Problems 3 and 4, students use information presented in a line plot to solve problems involving addition and subtraction. “Audra measured the rainfall in her town for 16 days. The line plot shows the amount of rainfall she recorded each day. Each dot represents one day that it rained. … 3. Find the total number of inches of rainfall Audra recorded. Show your work.  4. How many more days had 3 inches of rain than 1241\frac{2}{4} inches of rain?” The materials display a line plot or rainfall data in 14\frac{1}{4}-inch increments.

  • In Topic 16, Lessons 16-2 and 16-3, students engage in extensive work with grade-level problems to meet the full intent of 4.G.2 (Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles). In Lesson 16-2, Solve & Share, students sort 7 triangles into two or more groups according to a self-determined criteria. “Sort the triangles shown into two or more groups. Explain how you sorted them. Solve this problem any way you choose.” Pictured are triangles, each outlined in a different color and able to be categorized by side lengths or interior angle measure. In Assessment Practice, Problem 15, students categorize six triangles as acute, obtuse, or right. In Lesson 16-3, Visual Learning Bridge, students learn how to classify quadrilaterals according to their angles or the line segments that make their sides (one pair or two pairs of parallel sides). In Reteach to Build Understanding, Problem 2, students classify four quadrilaterals by completing sentences. “Figures ___ , ___ , and ___ have opposite sides that are parallel, so they are parallelograms. There are more specific names for two of these figures. Figure A has 4 right angles and 2 pairs of parallel sides. Opposite sides have the same length, so it is a ___ . Figure D has all sides the same length, so it is a ___ .”

Criterion 1.2: Coherence

08/08

Each grade’s materials are coherent and consistent with the Standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for coherence. The materials: address the major clusters of the grade, have supporting content connected to major work, make connections between clusters and domains, and have content from prior and future grades connected to grade-level work.

Indicator 1C
02/02

When implemented as designed, the majority of the materials address the major clusters of each grade.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for that, when implemented as designed the majority of the materials address the major clusters of each grade. The materials devote at least 65% of instructional time to the major clusters of the grade. 

  • The approximate number of Topics devoted to major work of the grade (including assessments and supporting work connected to the major work) is 13 out of 16, which is approximately 81%.

  • The number of lessons devoted to major work of the grade (including assessments and supporting work connected to the major work) is 91 out of 104, which is approximately 88%.

  • The number of days devoted to major work (including assessments and supporting work connected to the major work) is 120 out of 144, which is approximately 83%. 

A lesson-level analysis is most representative of the materials since the lessons include major work, supporting work connected to major work, and assessments embedded within each topic. As a result, approximately 88% of the materials focus on the major work of the grade.

Indicator 1D
02/02

Supporting content enhances focus and coherence simultaneously by engaging students in the major work of the grade.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations that supporting content enhances focus and coherence simultaneously by engaging students in the major work of the grade. 

Materials are designed so that supporting standards/clusters are connected to the major standards/ clusters of the grade. These connections are listed for teachers within the Teacher’s Edition, Lesson Overview, Coherence, Cross-Cluster Connections on a document titled “Lessons and Standards” found within the Course Guide tab for each unit. Connections are also listed in a document titled “Scope and Sequence.” Examples of connections include:

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-2 connects the supporting work of 4.OA.B (Gain familiarity with factors and multiples) to the major work of 4.NBT.B (Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic). In Lesson 7-2, Independent Practice, Problems 7–12, students write the factor pairs for each number. For example:  “7. 34 ___ and 34, 2 and ___”  In Problems 13–21, students write the factors of each number, using counters to help if needed. 13. 6.” In Practice Buddy: Independent Practice; Problem Solving, Problem 11, students engage with a multiple-choice question whose answer choices include the concepts of prime, factor, and multiples. “Any number that has 8 as a factor also has 2 as a factor. Why is​ this? Choose the correct answer below. A. This is because 8 and 2 are multiples of each other. If two numbers can be written as multiples of each other, then they are factors of the same number. B. This is because 2 is a prime number., making it a factor of any other number. C. If 8 is a factor, then so is 2, because 2 is a factor of 8. D. If 2 is a factor, then so is 8, because 8 is a factor of 2.”

  • Topic 10, Lesson 10-4 connects the supporting work of 4.MD.A (Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements from a larger unit to a smaller unit) to the major work of 4.NF.B (Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers). In Guided Practice, Do You Know How?, Problems 2 and 3, students apply their understanding of time to answer questions. The prompt states, "For 2–3, solve. Remember there are 60 minutes in 1 hour and 7 days in 1 week. 2. How many minutes are in a school day of 7 hours 25 minutes? 3. How much is 3243\frac{2}{4} weeks + 2342\frac{3}{4}weeks?"

  • Topic 15, Lesson 15-2 connects the supporting work of 4.MD.C (Geometric measurement: understand concepts of angle and measure angles) to the major work of 4.NF.B (Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers). In Problem Solving, enVision STEM, Problem 11, students find angle measures using fractional parts of a given whole. The prompt states, “A mirror can be used to reflect a beam of light at an angle. What fraction of a circle would the angle shown turn through?” A picture is provided of a mirror and lightbulb, and the light is reflected off the mirror at a 120° angle.

Indicator 1E
02/02

Materials include problems and activities that serve to connect two or more clusters in a domain or two or more domains in a grade.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for including problems and activities that serve to connect two or more clusters in a domain or two or more domains in a grade.

There are connections from supporting work to supporting work and major work to major work throughout the grade-level materials, when appropriate. These connections are listed for teachers in the Topic Overview, Scope and Sequence, and Teacher Guides within each topic. Examples include:

  • In Topic 2, Lesson 2-2, Enrichment, students use strategies to solve problems presented in the context of a multi-step problem. “1. The family starts their trip on Monday morning at 9 a.m. They stop at noon for lunch. How many miles have they traveled? … 4. On the second day, the Bravo family begins driving at 7 a.m. That day, they stop for a total of 2 hours. Will they get to Washington, D.C., by 5 p.m.? Explain…” The materials show travel plans for the  family vacation (e.g., They plan to drive from Miami to New York City. Mr. Bravo thinks they can average driving 60 miles an hour) and a chart that shows the distance between relevant cities (e.g., The distance from Miami to Washington, D.C., is 1,043 miles and the distance from Washington, D.C., to New York City is 237 miles). This connects the major work of 4.OA.A (Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems) to the major work of 4.NBT.B (Use place value understanding and operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic).

  • In Topic 8, Lesson 8-3, Assessment Practice, Problems 26 and 27, students find equivalent fractions using multiplication. “26. Select the equivalent fractions.” The materials show a chart: the first column lists the fractions 46\frac{4}{6}, 28\frac{2}{8}, 812\frac{8}{12}, and 312\frac{3}{12}; the second column prompts for “Fractions Equivalent to 14\frac{1}{4}”; and the third column prompts for “Fractions Equivalent to 23\frac{2}{3}”. “27. Nia found a fraction that is equivalent to 38\frac{3}{8}. Is Nia’s fraction work, shown below, correct? Explain.” The materials show 3×48×3=1224\frac{3\times4}{8\times3}=\frac{12}{24} . This connects the major work of 4.NF.A (Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering) to the major work of 4.NBT.B (Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic.). 

  • In Topic 13, Lesson 13-7, Guided Practice, students perform calculations that involve fractions / whole numbers and yards/inches in a real-world context. “Jeremy uses 23\frac{2}{3} yard of tape for each box he packs for shipping. How many inches of tape does Jeremy need to pack 3 boxes?” This connects the major work of 4.OA.A (Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems) to the major work of 4.NF.B (Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers).

  • In Topic 15, Lesson 15-1, Problem Solving, Problems 16–20, students identify a segment, a point, and an angle and draw angles classified by their measure. The materials show a map of Nevada “For 16–18, use the map of Nevada. Write the geometric term that best fits each description. Draw an example. 16. Be Precise The route between 2 cities 17. The cities 18. The corner formed by the north and west borders”. The materials show a map of Nevada with city landmarks and a compass rose. “19. Vocabulary Write a definition for right angle. Draw a right angle. Give 3 examples of right angles in the classroom. 20. Higher Order Thinking Nina says she can make a right angle with an acute angle and an obtuse angle that have a common ray. Is Nina correct? Draw a picture and explain.” This connects the supporting work of 4.MD.C (Geometric measurement: understand concepts of angle and measure angles) to the supporting work of 4.G.A (Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles). 

Indicator 1F
02/02

Content from future grades is identified and related to grade-level work, and materials relate grade-level concepts explicitly to prior knowledge from earlier grades.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations that content from future grades is identified and related to grade-level work, and materials relate grade-level concepts explicitly to prior knowledge from earlier grades. 

Prior and Future connections are identified within the Teacher Edition Math Background: Focus, Math Background: Coherence, and Lesson Overview. Examples of connections to future grades include:

  • Topic 2, Lessons 2-3 – 2-6 connect 4.NBT.4 (Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm) to the work of future grades. In Lessons 2-3 through 2-6, students use place-value concepts and the standard algorithm to add and subtract whole numbers. In Grade 5, Topic 2, students will “use models and strategies to add and subtract decimals to hundredths.”

  • Topic 5, Lesson 5-9 connects 4.NBT.6 (Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.) to the work of future grades. In Lesson 5-9, students choose a strategy they previously learned to divide and solve problems. Throughout this topic, “students apply strategies for whole-number division to solve real-world problems.” In Grade 5, Topic 5, students will “use strategies to divide whole numbers by 2-digit divisors.”

  • Topic 10, Lessons 10-1 – 10-3 connect 4.NF.4 (Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a whole number) to the work of future grades. In Lesson 10-1, “students come to understand that they can think of a fraction as the product of a unit fraction and a whole number. This foundation is incorporated in the development of strategies for multiplying a fraction by a whole number in Lessons 10-2 and 10-3.” In Grade 5, Topic 8, students will “multiply a whole number by a fraction, a fraction by a whole number and a fraction by a fraction.”

Examples of connections to prior knowledge include:

  • Topic 6, Lessons 6-1 and 6-2 connects 4.OA.1 (Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations) to the work of previous grades. In Grade 3, Topics 1–5, “students solved word problems involving basic facts and the foundational understanding of multiplication and division.” In Lessons 6-1 and 6-2, students “learn how to solve problems involving multiplicative comparison and additive comparison. They also learn to distinguish between these two types of comparison.”

  • Topic 9, Lesson 9-6 connects 4.NF.3a (Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole) to the work in previous grades. In Grade 3, Topic 12, “students learned about the meaning of fractions and used various models to represent them.” In Topic 13, “students learned how to recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions and to express whole numbers as fractions.” In this lesson, students “add and subtract fractions with like denominators” and “extend these understandings to addition and subtraction of mixed numbers.”

  • Topic 14, Lessons 14-1 – 14-3 connect 4.OA.5 (Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule. Identify apparent features of the pattern that were not explicit in the rule itself) to the work of previous grades. In Grade 3, “students found and explained multiplication patterns in Topic 5 and addition patterns in Topic 8.” In Lesson 14-1, “students apply an addition or subtraction rule to generate one or more numbers in a number sequence. In Lesson 14-2, students extend patterns in tables, with a focus on multiplication or division rules. For both, they analyze the patterns and look for features not given in the rule. In Lesson 14-3, they extend repeating patterns that consist of either shapes or numbers. They use the given rule to predict the pattern. For example, they find the 100th shape in a repeating pattern of four shapes.”

Indicator 1G
Read

In order to foster coherence between grades, materials can be completed within a regular school year with little to no modification.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 foster coherence between grades and can be completed within a regular school year with little to no modification.

As designed, the instructional materials can be completed in 144 days. As indicated in the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, page 23A, “Each core lesson, including differentiation, takes 45-75 minutes.”

Grade 4 consists of 16 topics. Each Topic is broken down into lessons that include additional resources for differentiation, additional time, and additional practice activities. Each Topic also includes an assessment (Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, page 23A). For example:

  • 104 days of content-focused lessons.

  • 8 days of 3-Act Math activities.

  • 32 days of Topic Reviews and Assessments.

Additional Resources that are not counted in the program days include:

  • Math Diagnosis and Intervention System

  • 10 Step-Up Lessons to use after the last topic

  • Readiness Test; Review What You Know; four Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments; and Progress Monitoring Assessment Forms A, B, and C

Overview of Gateway 2

Rigor & the Mathematical Practices

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for rigor and balance and practice-content connections. The materials reflect the balances in the Standards and help students develop conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application. The materials make meaningful connections between the Standards for Mathematical Content and the Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).

Criterion 2.1: Rigor and Balance

08/08

Materials reflect the balances in the Standards and help students meet the Standards’ rigorous expectations, by giving appropriate attention to: developing students’ conceptual understanding; procedural skill and fluency; and engaging applications.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for rigor. The materials develop conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, give attention throughout the year to procedural skill and fluency, spend sufficient time working with engaging applications of mathematics, and do not always treat the three aspects of rigor together or separately.

Indicator 2A
02/02

Materials develop conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, especially where called for in specific content standards or cluster headings.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for developing conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, especially where called for in specific content standards or cluster headings.

Materials develop conceptual understanding throughout the grade level. According to the Teacher’s Edition’s Program Overview, “conceptual understanding and problem solving are crucial aspects of the curriculum.” In the Topic Overview, Math Background: Rigor, “Conceptual Understanding Background information is provided so you can help students make sense of the fundamental concepts in the topic and understand why procedures work.” Each Topic Overview includes a description of key conceptual understandings developed throughout the topic. The 3-Act Math Task Overview indicates the conceptual understandings that students will use to complete the task. At the lesson level, Lesson Overview, Rigor, the materials indicate the Conceptual Understanding students will develop during the lesson.

Materials provide opportunities for students to develop conceptual understanding throughout the grade level. The Visual Learning Bridge and Guided Practice consistently provide these opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-7, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students must understand that when subtracting across the zeros, they may need to regroup in more than one place.” In Solve & Share, students use place value or the standard algorithm to subtract across zeros. The materials state, “London, England, is 15,710 kilometers from the South Pole. Tokyo, Japan is 13,953 kilometers from the South Pole. How much farther is London than Tokyo from the South Pole? Solve this problem any way you choose.” An image of a girl states, “you can use reasoning to identify the operation you use to compare two distances. Show your work in the space below!” Students develop conceptual understanding as they subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm. (4.NBT.4)

  • Topic 8, Lesson 8-1, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students use an area model to demonstrate that two fractions are equivalent when they name the same part of the same whole.” In the Visual Learning Bridge, students use different area models to represent the same part of a whole. The materials show three frames: A) “James ate part of the pizza shown in the picture at the right.  He said 56\frac{5}{6} of the pizza is left.  Cardell said 1012\frac{10}{12} of the pizza is left.  Who is correct?” The materials show a rectangular pizza cut into 6 pieces with 1 piece missing. In the fraction 56\frac{5}{6}, 5 is identified as the numerator and 6 as the denominator. A girl states, “Equivalent fractions name the same part of the same whole. B)  “One Way Use an area model. Draw a rectangle and divide it into sixths. Shade 56\frac{5}{6}. Then divide the rectangle into twelfths. The number and size of parts differ, but the shaded part of each rectangle is the same. 56\frac{5}{6} and 1012\frac{10}{12} are equivalent fractions. The materials show rectangular area models and circular area models that illustrate the equivalent fractions. C) “Use a different area model. Draw a circle and divide it into sixths. Shade 56\frac{5}{6}. Then divide the circle into twelfths. The number and size of parts differ, but the shaded part of each circle is the same. 56\frac{5}{6} and 1012\frac{10}{12} are equivalent fractions. A girl states, “Both James and Cardell are correct because 56\frac{5}{6} = 1012\frac{10}{12}.”  Classroom Conversation asks students the following questions: “A) How much of the pizza is left according to James? according to Cardell? What do you need to do? What does the denominator of a fraction tell you? What does the numerator tell you? How can you tell from the picture that 56\frac{5}{6} of the pizza is left? B) Use Appropriate Tools Strategically Why is the first area model labeled 56\frac{5}{6}? Why is the second area model labeled 1012\frac{10}{12}? Why are 56\frac{5}{6} and 1012\frac{10}{12} equivalent? C) Does it matter what shape is used to show each of the two fractions?” Students develop conceptual understanding as they use visual fraction models to recognize and generate equivalent fractions. (4.NF.1)

  • Topic 14, Lesson 14-3, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students extend repeating patterns of shapes.” In Guided Practice, Problem 2, students extend a pattern consisting of green triangles and orange circles. “What is the 20th shape? The rule is ‘Triangle, Circle, Circle.”The materials show two iterations of a pattern. Students develop conceptual understanding as they generate a shape pattern that follows a given rule.  (4.OA.5)

Materials provide opportunities for students to independently demonstrate conceptual understanding throughout the grade level. The Practice problems consistently provide these opportunities. Examples include:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-3, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students comparing the values of numbers use symbols of relation (>, =, and <).” In Independent Practice, Problem 12, students complete a comparison of sums by writing <, =, or <. “12. 40,000 + 2,000 + 600 + 6 ___ 40,000 + 3,000 + 10.” Students independently demonstrate conceptual understanding by comparing two multi-digit numbers using the symbols >, =, >  to record the results of the comparisons. (4.NBT.2)

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-4, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students use arrays to find all the factors of a number and to decide if the number is prime or composite.” In Independent Practice, Problem 11, students use given arrays to tell whether the number 10 is prime or composite. The materials show the following arrays: one row of 10, two rows of 5, five rows of 2, and one column of 10. Students independently demonstrate conceptual understanding by determining whether a given whole number in the range 1–100 is prime or composite. (4.OA.4)

  • Topic 10, Lesson 10-2, Lesson Overview, Conceptual Understanding states, “Students use models to multiply a fraction by a whole number.” In Independent Practice, Problem 5, students write and solve a multiplication equation using drawings or number lines. The materials show three pictures of a fraction of a circular block of cheese; each is labeled 210\frac{2}{10}. Students independently demonstrate conceptual understanding by extending previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a whole number. (4.NF.4b)

Indicator 2B
02/02

Materials give attention throughout the year to individual standards that set an expectation for procedural skill and fluency.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for giving attention throughout the year to individual standards that set an expectation of procedural skill and fluency. 

The materials develop procedural skills and fluency throughout the grade level within various portions of lessons. The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview indicates, “Students perform better on procedural skills when the procedures make sense to them. So procedural skills are developed with conceptual understanding through careful learning progressions. … A wealth of resources is provided to ensure all students achieve success on the fluency expectations of Grades K-5.” Various portions of lessons that allow students to develop procedural skills include Solve & Share, Visual Learning Bridge, Convince Me!, Guided Practice, and 3-ACT MATH; in addition, the materials include Fluency Practice Activities. Examples include: 

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-1, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students will apply the mental-math strategies [i.e. breaking apart, compensation, counting on…] taught in this lesson.” In Guided Practice, Problem 4, “Use mental math strategies to solve. 9,100 + 2,130 + 900.” Students develop procedural skills and fluency as they apply mental-math strategies to perform multi-digit arithmetic. (4.NBT.4)

  • Topic 6, Lesson 6-4, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students continue to develop procedural skills in writing and solving equations to solve multi-step problems.” In Independent Practice, Problem 4, “Five toymakers each carved 28 blocks and 17 airplanes. Three other toymakers each carved the same number of airplanes and twice as many blocks. How many toys did the eight carve in all?”  Students develop procedural skills and fluency as they use variables to represent unknown quantities in equations and solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers.  (4.OA.3)

  • Topic 12, Lesson 12-4, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students learn how to rename fractions to have common denominators in order to find sums.” In Independent Practice, Problem 21, “Leveled Practice Add the fractions. 44100+34100+910\frac{44}{100}+\frac{34}{100}+\frac{9}{10}.  Students develop procedural skill and fluency as they express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with denominator 100 and use this technique to add two fractions with respective denominators 10 and 100. (4.NF.5)

Materials provide opportunities for students to independently demonstrate procedural skill and fluency throughout the grade level. Independent Practice and Problem Solving consistently include these opportunities. When appropriate, teachers may use other portions of lessons for independent demonstration of procedural skill and fluency. Examples include:

  • Topic 3, Lesson 3-3, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students practice finding the products using partial products.” In Guided Practice, Do You Know How?, Problems 2 and 3, students independently demonstrate procedural skill and fluency as they multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number. “2. 2×242 \times 24 3. 3×2183 \times 218”. (4.NBT.5)

  • Topic 9, Lesson 9-6, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students’ proficiency with adding and subtracting fractions builds as they practice a different method.” In Independent Practice, Problem 7, students independently demonstrate procedural skills and fluency as they write an equation showing the addition of fractions as joining parts shown by a given number line. Directions: write the equation shown by each number line. The materials show a number line that begins at 0 and ends at 1 using 14\frac{1}{4} unit intervals. The number line includes a curved arrow that starts at 24\frac{2}{4} and ends at 34\frac{3}{4}.  (4.NF.3a)

  • Topic 13, Lesson 13-6, Lesson Overview, Procedural Skill states, “Students learn and use perimeter and area formulas to find missing side lengths of rectangles.” In Independent Practice, Problem 6, students independently demonstrate procedural skills and fluency as they find the missing dimension in a quadrilateral. “6. Find n.” An image of a rectangle is shown with the width labeled as 6 ft, and the length labeled n. The area of the rectangle equals 60 sq ft. (4.MD.3)

Indicator 2C
02/02

Materials are designed so that teachers and students spend sufficient time working with engaging applications of the mathematics.

The materials for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations that the materials are designed so that teachers and students spend sufficient time working with engaging applications of the mathematics.

Engaging applications—which include single and multi-step, routine and non-routine applications of the mathematics—appear throughout the grade level and allow for students to work with teacher support and independently. In each Topic Overview, Math Background: Rigor provides descriptions of the concepts and skills that students will apply to real-world situations. Each Topic is introduced with a STEM Project, whose theme is revisited in activities and practice problems in the lessons. Within each lesson, Application is previewed in the Lesson Overview. Practice & Problem Solving sections provide students with opportunities to apply new learning and prior knowledge.

Examples of routine applications of the math include:

  • In Topic 6, Lesson 6-3, Assessment Practice, Problem 7, students independently solve a routine multi-step word problem using the four operations and a letter to represent the unknown quantity. “The gym teacher has $250 to spend on volleyball equipment. She buys 4 volleyball nets for $28 each. Volleyballs cost $7 each. How many volleyballs can she buy? Explain how you solve. Use one or more equations and bar diagrams in your explanation. Tell what your variables represent.” (4.OA.3)

  • In Topic 9, Lesson 9-3, Problem Solving, problem 20, students solve a word problem involving addition of fractions referring to the same whole and having like denominators. “Write and solve an equation to find what fraction, f, of the set is either circles or rectangles.”(4.NF.3d)

  • In Topic 13, Lesson 13-6, Problem Solving, Problem 11, students apply the area formula in a real-world problem. “Greg covered the back of the picture with a piece of felt. The picture is 1141\frac{1}{4} inches shorter than the frame and 1 inch less in width. What is the area of the felt?” The materials show the framed picture with the dimension "l=1514l = 15\frac{1}{4} in.” (4.MD.3)

Examples of non-routine applications of the math include:

  • In Topic 2, Lesson 2-3, Solve & Share, students use place-value understanding to add 3-digit numbers in a multi-step word problem. “Students collect empty plastic water bottles to recycle. How many bottles were collected in the first two months? How many bottles were collected in all three months? Solve this problem using any strategy you choose.” A picture of a girl says, “You can use appropriate tools. such as drawing or place-value blocks, to help you add.” The materials show a data table that consists of the two columns Month and Water Bottle. The information on the table is the following: “September 325, October 243, November 468.” (4.OA.3 and 4.NBT.4)

  • In Topic 10, Lesson 10-2, Solve & Share, Look Back!, students use their understanding that ab\frac{a}{b} is a multiple of 1b\frac{1}{b} to multiply a fraction by a whole number as they independently solve a non-routine word problem. “Use Structure How does finding the total juice for 4 people with 23\frac{2}{3} cup servings compare to finding it for 13\frac{1}{3} cup servings? Why?” (4.NF.4b)

  • In Topic 14, Lesson 14-2, Problem Solving, Problem 12, students generate a number pattern that follows a given rule in solving a non-routine problem. “12. Higher Order Thinking How many more batteries do 20 flashlights need than 15 flashlights? Explain.” The materials show a data table “Batteries for Flashlights” that consists of two columns, Number of Flashlights and Number of Batteries. The three rows indicate 1, 3; 2, 6; and 3, 9. (4.OA.5)

Indicator 2D
02/02

The three aspects of rigor are not always treated together and are not always treated separately. There is a balance of the three aspects of rigor within the grade.

The materials for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations that the three aspects of rigor are not always treated together and are not always treated separately. 

Each Topic Overview contains Math Background: Rigor, where the components of Rigor are addressed. Every lesson within a topic contains opportunities for students to build conceptual understanding, procedural skills and fluency, and/or application. During Solve and Share and Guided Practice, students explore alternative solution pathways to master procedural fluency and develop conceptual understanding. During Independent Practice, students apply the content in real-world applications, use procedural skills and/or conceptual understanding to solve problems with multiple solutions, and explain/compare their solutions.

The three aspects of rigor are present independently throughout the grade. For example:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-2, Problem Solving, Problem 11, students attend to conceptual understanding as they recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in a place to its right. “Higher Order Thinking In 448,244, how is the relationship between the first pair of 4s the same as the relationship between the second pair of 4s?” (4.NBT.1)

  • Topic 5, Lesson 5-9, Problem Solving, Problem 16, students attend to procedural skills and fluency as they find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors. “Ron’s Tires has 1,767 tires for heavy-duty trucks. Each heavy-duty truck needs 6 tires. How many heavy-duty trucks can get all new tires at Ron’s? (4.NBT.6)

  • Topic 16, Lesson 16-4, Problem Solving, Problem 20, students attend to application as they use a picture of real-world location to determine if it is line symmetric. “The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is located in Washington, D.C. Use the picture of the memorial at the right to decide whether the building is line symmetric. If so, the building is line symmetric. If so, describe where the line of symmetry is.” The materials show an image of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. (4.G.3)

Multiple aspects of Rigor are engaged simultaneously to develop students’ mathematical understanding of a single topic/unit of study throughout the materials. For example:

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-8, Solve & Share, students attend to application and procedural skills and fluency as they apply problem-solving methods to solve a word problem about toy donation involving addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers. “A group of students collected donations for a toy drive. They collected a total of 3,288 toys one week and 1,022 toys the next week. They donated 1,560 toys to the Coal City Charity and the rest were donated to Hartville Charity. How many toys were donated to Hartville Charity? Use reasoning about numbers to show and explain how the two quantities of toys given to charity are related.” The materials include, “Thinking Habits Be a good thinker! These questions can help you. What do the numbers and symbols in the problem mean? How are the numbers or quantities related? How can I represent a word problem using pictures, numbers, or equations?” (4.OA.3)

  • Topic 6, Lesson 6-2, Problem Solving, Problem 9, students attend to conceptual understanding and application as they extend their understanding of multiplicative comparisons to solve real-world problems. “Model with Math Dave is making soup that includes 12 cups of water and 3 cups of broth. How many times as much water as broth will be in the soup? Draw a bar diagram and write and solve an equation. (4.OA.2)

  • Topic 13, Lesson 13-7, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 10, students attend to conceptual understanding and procedural skills and fluency as they apply the perimeter formula to find out how much ribbon is needed for a card. “Making Thank You Cards Tanesha is making cards by gluing 1 ounce of glitter on the front of the card and then making a border out of ribbon.  She makes each card the dimensions shown.  How much ribbon does Tanesha need? 10. Be Precise  How much ribbon does Tanesha need? Use math language and symbols to explain how you solved the problem and computed accurately.” The materials show a Thank You card with width 85 mm and height 9 cm and a boy who states, “When you are precise, you specify and use units of measure appropriately.”  (4.MD.3)

Criterion 2.2: Math Practices

10/10

Materials meaningfully connect the Standards for Mathematical Content and Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for practice-content connections. The materials meaningfully connect the Standards for Mathematical Content and the Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).

Indicator 2E
02/02

Materials support the intentional development of MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them; and MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them; and MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards. 

Students have opportunities to engage with the Math Practices across the year, and they are explicitly identified for teachers within the Program Overview within the Topic Contents at the Lesson-level. The Math Practices and Problem Solving Handbook introduces each of the Math Practices with specific emphasis on making connections among representations to develop meaning and corresponding Thinking Habits. The Teacher’s Edition provides support for developing, connecting, and assessing each math practice. Topic Planners include the Math Practices at the lesson level; relevant practices are specified in Lesson Overviews. 

MP1 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-7, Solve & Share, students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them as they solve multi-step problems that involve multi-digit multiplication. “Five students set a goal to raise $500 from their charity walk. Sponsors donated $25 for each mile walked. By how much did these students exceed or miss their goal? Solve this problem using any strategy you choose.” The materials show a data table that lists five students names and their individual “Miles Walked”. 

  • Topic 11, Lesson 11-2, Problem Solving, Problem 6, students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them as they analyze information presented in a line plot that displays lengths in fourths to solve a problem involving addition and subtraction of fractions. “Nora weighed each of the 7 beefsteak tomatoes she picked from her garden. The total weight of the 7 tomatoes was 103410\frac{3}{4} pounds. Her line plot shows only 6 dots. What was the weight of the missing tomato?” The materials show a line plot that indicates two dots at 1, one dot at 1141\frac{1}{4}, one dot at 1241\frac{2}{4}, one dot at 2, and one dot at 2142\frac{1}{4}

  • Topic 15, Lesson 15-6, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 7, students make sense of problems and persevere in solving them as they measure angles in whole-number degrees.  “Mural Before Nadia paints a mural, she plans what she is going to paint. She sketches the diagram shown and wants to know the measures of ∠WVX, ∠WVY, ∠XVY, and ∠YVZ. Make Sense and Persevere  What do you need to find?” The materials show an image of two kites (X and Y) such that they form angles with the ground (W, Y, and Z) and share the common vertex Y.  

MP2 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students reason abstractly and quantitatively as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-2, Guided Practice, Do You Understand?, Problem 1, students reason abstractly and quantitatively as they create an area model to help them understand the product of a two-digit number and a multiple of ten. “Draw an area model to show 20×2620 \times 26. Then find the product.” 

  • Topic 11, Lesson 11-1, Problem Solving, Problem 11, students reason abstractly and quantitatively as they use data shown in a line plot to determine which time occurred the most. “Use the line plot at the right. Reasoning Mr. Dixon recorded the times it took students in his class to complete a project. Which time was most often needed to complete the project?” The materials show the line plot, “Time Spent Completing Project,” which reflects student times in hours: four dots are above 2242\frac{2}{4}, three dots above 2342\frac{3}{4}, one dot above 3, three dots above 3143\frac{1}{4}, and two dots above 3243\frac{2}{4}

  • Topic 16, Lesson 16-6, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 7, students reason abstractly and quantitatively as they explain what the quantities given in the problem mean. “Dog Pen Caleb is designing a dog pen for the animal shelter.  He has 16 feet of fence, including the gate. His designs and explanation are shown. Critique Caleb’s reasoning. Reasoning What quantities are given in the problem and what do the numbers mean?” The materials show Caleb’s designs and reasoning using a sketch and notes: “Dog pens usually have right angles, so I just used rectangles. Both my plans used 16 feet of fence. I think the square one is better because it has more area.” The designs are a 4 ✕ 4 square and a 2  ✕ 5 rectangle. 

Indicator 2F
02/02

Materials support the intentional development of MP3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of MP3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards. 

Students have opportunities to engage with the Math Practices across the year, and they are explicitly identified for teachers within the Program Overview within the Topic Contents at the Lesson-level. The Math Practices and Problem Solving Handbook introduces each of the Math Practices with specific emphasis on making connections among representations to develop meaning and corresponding Thinking Habits. Topic Planners include the Math Practices at the lesson level; relevant practices are specified in Lesson Overviews.

Students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others in connection to grade-level content as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-5, Look Back!, students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as they examine a student claim about land area. “Construct Arguments Mary said Georgia’s land area is about 10 times greater than Hawaii’s land area. Is Mary correct? Construct a math argument to support your answer.” Students use the table in the Solve & Share to obtain information about the land area (in square miles) of Georgia and Hawaii.

  • Topic 3, Lesson 3-6, Problem Solving, Problem 14, students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as they perform error analysis of provided student work and justify their thinking by solving the problem correctly. “Critique Reasoning Quinn used compensation to find the product of 4×3074 \times 307. First, she found 4×300=1,2004 \times 300 = 1,200. Then she adjusted the product by subtracting 4 groups of 7 to get her final answer of 1,172. Explain Quinn’s mistake and find the correct answer.” 

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-1, Convince Me!, students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as they evaluate a statement made about factors and begin to explore properties of factors. “Critique Reasoning Blake says, ‘Greater numbers will always have more factors.’ Do you agree? Explain.” 

  • Topic 15, Lesson 15-2, Visual Learning Bridge and Convince Me!, students construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others as they explain their thinking about the partitioning of two circles and explain their argument.  Visual Learning Bridge (D), “Add to find the measure of an angle that turns through 26\frac{2}{6} of a circle. Remember 26=16+16\frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{6}+\frac{1}{6}. Add to calculate the measure of 26\frac{2}{6} of a circle. 60° + 60° = 120° The angle measure of 26\frac{2}{6} of a circle is 120°. The materials show two circles: (i) a circle with a central angle labeled 16\frac{1}{6}=60° and (ii) a circle with a central angle labeled 26\frac{2}{6}=?. The materials suggest to teachers, “Construct Arguments How could you show that the angle turns through 26\frac{2}{6} of the circle?” Convince Me!,  “Critique Reasoning Susan thinks the measure of angle B is greater than the measure of angle A. Do you agree? Explain.” The materials show two circles: a small and large circle partitioned into sixths with a central angle equal to a sixth of the circle.

Indicator 2G
02/02

Materials support the intentional development of MP4: Model with mathematics; and MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of MP4: Model with mathematics; and MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards. 

Students have opportunities to engage with MP4 and MP5 across the year, and they are explicitly identified for teachers within the Program Overview within the Topic Contents at the Lesson-level.  The Math Practices and Problem Solving Handbook introduces each of the Math Practices with specific emphasis on making connections among representations to develop meaning and corresponding Thinking Habits. The Teacher’s Edition provides support for developing, connecting, and assessing each math practice. Topic Planners include the Math Practices at the lesson level; relevant practices are specified in Lesson Overviews. 

MP4 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students model with mathematics as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-8, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 9, students model with mathematics as they use bar diagrams to represent real-world multistep problems involving addition, subtraction, and unknowns. “Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. Every year, some birds travel great distances, or migrate, to find food and start families. The table shows the distances five species of birds flew over one year, as observed by an ornithologist. How much farther did the Arctic Tern fly than the Pectoral Sandpiper and the Pied Wheatear combined? Model with Math Complete the bar diagrams to show how to find the answer to the hidden question and the main questions.  Write and solve equations.” The materials show a data table, “Distances Traveled by Birds,” which specifies the distance in miles of five species of birds. The materials also provide, for student use, two configurations of bar diagrams: one with which to model addition and the other to model subtraction.

  • Topic 8, Lesson 8-6, Independent Practice, Problem 7, students model with mathematics as they use number lines to compare fractions. “Find equivalent fractions to compare. Then, write >, <, or =.” The materials show 56\frac{5}{6} ___ 1012\frac{10}{12} and provide a number line representing 0 to 1 with one-twelfth intervals for students to use in their modeling.

  • Topic 12, Lesson 12-1, Problem Solving, Problem 12, students model with mathematics as they use drawings, decimal grids, and decimals to represent fractions with denominators of 10 and 100. “Higher Order Thinking The diagram models the plants in a vegetable garden. Write a fraction and a decimal for each vegetable in the garden.” The materials show a diagram of a hundreds chart with red squares representing radishes, orange squares representing carrots, yellow squares representing corn, and green squares representing lettuce.

MP5 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students use appropriate tools strategically as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 6, Lesson 6-6, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 7, students use appropriate tools strategically as they solve word problems using bar diagrams to visualize equations and represent the hidden questions. “Designing a Flag Rainey’s group designed the flag shown for a class project. They used 234 square inches of green fabric. After making one flag, Rainey’s group has 35 square inches of yellow fabric left.  How can Rainey’s group determine the total area of the flag?” The materials show a rectangular flag that consists of two green and one yellow horizontal stripes as well as one vertical orange rectangular region. Boxed text indicates, “Twice as much green as orange” and “3 times as much green as yellow.” “7. Appropriate Tools Draw diagrams and write equations to represent the hidden question(s). Be sure to tell what each variable represents.” Teacher guidance:  “Use Appropriate Tools What do you know that can help you draw a bar diagram to find out how much orange fabric is in the flag? What do you know that can help you draw a bar diagram to find how much yellow fabric is in the flag?”

  • Topic 10, Lesson 10-4, Solve & Share, students use appropriate tools strategically when they use number lines and clock faces to solve problems involving time. “The Big Sur International Marathon is run on the California coast each spring. Sean’s mother was the women’s overall winner. How much faster was Sean’s mother than the women’s winner in the Ages 65-69 group? Tell how you decided. Solve this problem any way you choose.” The materials show a data table that specifies the times of men and women in three categories: overall and two age ranges. A boy states, “You can use appropriate tools such as bar diagrams or number lines to solve problems involving time.” Teacher guidance: “What tools do students use to visualize the difference in time? How can you use a clock or number line to show the amount of time between the shorter time and the longer time?” 

  • Topic 15, Lesson 15-4, Problem Solving, Problem 20, students use appropriate tools strategically as they use a protractor to measure and draw angles.“Use a protractor to find the measure of the angle, then use one of the angle’s rays to draw a right angle. Find the measure of the angle that is NOT a right angle.” The materials show an obtuse angle.

Indicator 2H
02/02

Materials attend to the intentional development of MP6: Attend to precision; and attend to the specialized language of mathematics for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of MP6: Attend to precision; and attend to the specialized language of mathematics, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards. 

Students have opportunities to engage with MP6 across the year, and they are explicitly identified for teachers within the Program Overview within the Topic Contents at the Lesson-level. The Math Practices and Problem Solving Handbook introduces each of the Math Practices with specific emphasis on making connections among representations to develop meaning and corresponding Thinking Habits. Topic Planners include the Math Practices at the lesson level; relevant practices are specified in Lesson Overviews.

Students attend to precision in mathematics in connection to grade-level content as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 3, Lesson 3-5, Problem Solving, Problem 9, students attend to precision when they accurate calculate the number of days in a eight year period. “Be Precise There are usually 365 days in each year. Every fourth year is called a leap year and has one extra day in February. How many days are there in 8 years if 2 of the years are leap years?” Teacher guidance: “Remind students that in order to find the answer they will have to complete two calculations: the number of days in 6 regular years lus the number of days in 2 leap years, or they can find the number of days in 8 years plus a day for each of the leap years.”

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-3, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 8, students attend to precision when they find all the factor pairs for a whole number. “Store Displays A pet store needs 3 displays with the products shown. The boxes of kitty litter need to be stacked with the same number of boxes in each row. There needs to be at least 3 rows with at least 3 boxes in each row. What are all the ways the boxes of kitty litter could be stacked?” The materials show three products and their quantity: 50 fish bowls, 48 boxes of kitty litter, and 88 bags of dog food. “8. Be Precise What are all the ways the boxes of kitty litter can be stacked with at least 3 rows with at least 3 boxes in each row?”

  • Topic 12, Lesson 12-6, Problem Solving, Performance Task, Problem 11, students attend to precision when they use appropriate numbers, units, and symbols to represent money. “Watching Savings Grow Tomas deposits money in his savings account every month. If he continues to save $3.50 each month, how much money will he have at the end of 6 months? 12 months? Use the table and Exercises 6-11 to help solve. 11. Be Precise Use the answers from the table to find how much money Tomas will have at the end of 12 months. Show your work.”  The materials show a table that represents the money in a savings account for months 0 to 3. Teacher guidance: “Attend to Precision Are you using numbers, units, and symbols appropriately? Does your answer have the correct units? Explain.”

Students attend to the specialized language of mathematics in connection to grade-level content as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 5, Lesson 5-4, Visual Learning Bridge and Guided Practice, Problem 2, students use specialized language to analyze solutions that have a remainder in terms of a problem situation. Visual Learning Bridge (A), “When you divide with whole numbers, any whole number that remains after the division is complete is called the remainder. Ned has 27 soccer cards in an album.  He puts 6 cards on each page. He knows with 3 left over, because 6×4=246 \times 4 = 24 and 24+3=2724 + 3 = 27. Use an R to represent the remainder: 27÷6=427 \div 6 = 4 R3. How do you use the remainder to answer questions about division?” The materials show an image of a  girl who states, “The remainder must be less than the divisor.” Guided Practice, Do You Understand?, Problem 2, “Dave is packing 23 sweaters into boxes. Each box will hold 3 sweaters. How many boxes will he need? Explain how the remainder affects your answer.”

  • Topic 11, Review What You Know/Vocabulary Cards and Activity, Topic 11 Vocabulary, students use specialized language using terms such as line plot and scale. Teacher guidance: “Have students use Teaching Tool 25 (Vocabulary: Frayer Model) to display information about each vocabulary word [Line plot and Scale]. For example, have students complete the Frayer Model by writing “line plot” in the center, and then writing characteristics of a line plot, drawing an example and non-example, and defining a line plot in the boxes around the outside.” 

  • Topic 16, Vocabulary Review, Use Vocabulary in Writing, Problem 11, students use specialized language as they use mathematics vocabulary to describe a shape. “Rebecca drew a figure. Describe Rebecca’s figure. Use at least 3 terms from the Word List in your description.” The materials show a blue parallelogram.

Indicator 2I
02/02

Materials support the intentional development of MP7: Look for and make use of structure; and MP8: Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of MP7: Look for and make use of structure; and MP8: Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning, for students, in connection to the grade-level content standards, as expected by the mathematical practice standards. 

Students have opportunities to engage with the Math Practices across the year, and they are explicitly identified for teachers within the Program Overview within the Topic Contents at the Lesson Level. The Math Practices and Problem Solving Handbook introduces each of the Math Practices with specific emphasis on making connections among representations to develop meaning and corresponding Thinking Habits. The Teacher’s Edition provides support for developing, connecting, and assessing each math practice. Topic Planners include the Math Practices at the lesson level; relevant practices are specified in Lesson Overviews.

MP7 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students model with mathematics as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-1, Solve & Share, students look for and make use of structure when they use multiplication facts and place value to multiply by multiples of 10. “The principal of a school needs to order supplies for 20 new classrooms. Each classroom needs the following items: 20 desks, 30 chairs, and 40 pencils. How many of each item does the principal need to order? Solve these problems using any strategy you choose.” The materials show the image of a boy who states, “You can use structure. What basic facts can you use to help solve these problems? How are they related? Show your work in the space below!”

  • Topic 8, Lesson 8-4, Problem Solving, Problem 28, students look for and make use of the structure of fractions to determine who ate more of a sandwich. “Use Structure Ethan ate 48\frac{4}{8} of his sandwich. Andy ate 12\frac{1}{2} of his sandwich. The sandwiches were the same size. a. Whose sandwich had more equal parts? b. Whose sandwich had larger equal parts? c. Who ate more? Explain.”

  • Topic 12, Lesson 12-6, Convince Me!, students look for and make use of the structure of a drawing when they use a part of the drawing to determine where another point will be placed. when they use the decimal place-value system to solve real-world problems. “Use Structure Use the drawing of the trail shown. Where is the 1.5-mile mark on the trail? How did you decide?” The materials show a wavy trail that has labels, start and 0.5. Teacher Guidance: Look for and Make Use of Structure Students use knowledge of decimal meanings to locate a point on a number line beyond the points given instead of between given points.

MP8 is identified and connected to grade-level content, and there is intentional development of the MP to meet its full intent. Students model with mathematics as they work with the support of the teacher and independently throughout the Topics. Examples include:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-2, Convince Me!, students look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning when they use place-value blocks to reinforce how place-value positions are related. “Generalize Use place-value blocks to model 1 and 10, 10 and 100, 100 and 1,000.  What pattern do you see?” 

  • Topic 9, Lesson 9-8, Solve & Share, students look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning when students apply their knowledge about adding fractions to add mixed numbers as they solve real-world problems. “Joaquin used 1361\frac{3}{6} cups of apple juice and 1461\frac{4}{6} cups of orange juice in a recipe for punch. How much juice did Joaquin use? Solve this problem any way you choose.” The materials show two measuring cups — 1361\frac{3}{6} cups of apple juice and 1461\frac{4}{6} cups of orange juice—and a girl who states, “Generalize. You can use what you know about adding fractions to solve this problem.”  

  • Topic 16, Lesson 16-2, Problem Solving, Problem 12, students look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning when they look for attributes that all triangles have in common and that groups of triangles have in common and use these generalizations to categorize triangles by their sides and angles. “enVision STEM A rabbit’s field of vision is so wide that it can see predators that approach from behind. The diagram shows the field of vision of one rabbit and the field where the rabbit cannot see. Classify the triangle by its sides and its angles.” The materials present a diagram of the rabbit’s field of vision; it includes the labels “Seen by the left eye, Seen by both eyes, Seen by the right eye.”

Overview of Gateway 3

Usability

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for Usability. The materials meet expectations for Criterion 1, Teacher Supports, and Criterion 2, Assessment, and partially meet expectations for Criterion 3, Student Supports.

Criterion 3.1: Teacher Supports

09/09

The program includes opportunities for teachers to effectively plan and utilize materials with integrity and to further develop their own understanding of the content.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for Teacher Supports. The materials: provide teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for enacting the materials, contain adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex grade-level concepts beyond the current grade so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject, include standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series, provide explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies, and provide a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.

Indicator 3A
02/02

Materials provide teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for how to enact the student materials and ancillary materials, with specific attention to engaging students in order to guide their mathematical development.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for how to enact the student materials and ancillary materials, with specific attention to engaging students in order to guide their mathematical development. 

The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview provides comprehensive guidance to assist teachers in presenting the student and ancillary materials. It contains four major components: Overview of enVision Mathematics, User’s Guide, Correlation and Content Guide.

  • The Overview provides the table of contents for the course as well as a pacing guide for a traditional year long course as well as block/half year course. The authors provide the Program Goal and Organization, in addition to information about their attention to Focus, Coherence, Rigor, the Math Practices, and Assessment..

  • The User’s Guide introduces the components of the program and then proceeds to illustrate how to use a ‘lesson’: Lesson Overview, Problem-Based Learning, Visual Learning, and Assess and Differentiate. In this section, there is additional information that addresses more specific areas such as STEM, Building Mathematical Literacy, Routines, and Supporting English Language Learners.

  • The Correlation provides the correlation for the grade.

  • The Content Guide portion directs teachers to resources such as the Big Ideas in Mathematics, Scope and Sequence, Glossary, and Index.

Within the Teacher’s Edition, each Lesson is presented in a consistent format that opens with a  Lesson Overview, followed by probing questions to provide multiple entry points to the content, error intervention, supports for English Language Learners, and ends with multiple Response to Intervention (RtI) differentiated instruction.

Materials include sufficient and useful annotations and suggestions that are presented within the context of the specific learning objectives. The Teacher’s Edition includes numerous brief annotations and suggestions at the topic and lesson level organized around multiple mathematics education strategies and initiatives, including the CCSSM Shifts in Instructional Practice (i.e., focus, coherence, rigor), CCSSM practices, STEM projects, and 3-ACT Math Tasks, and Problem-Based Learning. Examples of these annotations and suggestions from the Teacher’s Edition include:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-1, Visual Learning Bridge, Teachers begin the Classroom Conversation by saying the following “Where else have you seen numbers in the hundred thousands? [Sample answer: Cost of homes, attendance at amusement parks, money]” 

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-5, Problem Solving, Problem 24, “Isabel wrote this mystery problem. The quotient is a multiple of 6. The dividend is a multiple of 9. The divisor is a factor of 12. Write one possible equation to Isabel’s mystery problem.” Teacher guidance: “If students have difficulty knowing where to start, encourage them to make sequential lists of multiples of 6 and 9. Students should then list the factors of 12 and use their lists to find possible solutions.”

  • Topic 12, Lesson 12-3, Guided Practice, Problem 1, “Cy says, ‘0.20 is greater than 0.2. Because 20 is greater than 2.’ Do you agree? Explain.” Teacher guidance: “Error Intervention If students are having difficulty comparing 0.20 and 0.2, then ask them to model 0.20 on one hundredths grid and 0.2 on another hundredths grid. Which model has more hundredths shaded? [Neither] Which decimal is greater? [Neither; the decimals are equivalent.]”

Indicator 3B
02/02

Materials contain adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex grade-level/course-level concepts and concepts beyond the current course so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for containing adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex grade concepts and concepts beyond the current course so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject. 

The materials provide professional development videos at two levels to help teachers improve their knowledge of the grade they are teaching.

  • Professional development topic videos are at SavvasRealize.com. In these Topic Overview Videos, an author highlights and gives helpful perspectives on important mathematics concepts and skills in the topic. The video is a quick, focused ‘Watch me first’ experience as you start your planning for the topic.

  • Professional development lesson videos are at SavvasRealize.com. These Listen and Look for Lesson Videos provide important information about the lesson.

An example of the content of a Professional development video:

  • Topic 15: Professional Development (topic) Video: “Students learn about angle measure and how to use a protractor to measure angles. Step one in this process is for students not only to understand what an angle is, but what is meant by measuring an angle. Many students believe that the measure of an angle depends upon the length of the rays … Students develop basic understanding of angle measurement first by using fractions ot a circle … to find angle measure. They connect measuring angles to work with equivalent fractions. … Be sure students pay attention to where to place the vertex of the angle and how to line up one ray along the horizontal edge. … By the end of this topic, students have developed a conceptual understanding of angle measure, learned the skill of using a protractor to measure angles, and are able to apply this understanding and skill to solve problems involving angle measure.”

The Math Background: Coherence, Look Ahead section, provides adult-level explanations and examples of concepts beyond the current grade as it relates what students are learning currently to future learning.

An example of how the materials support teachers to develop their own knowledge beyond the current grade:

  • Topic 11, Math Background: Coherence, Look Ahead, the materials state, “Grade 5 Extend Work with Line Plots In Topic 10, students will extend their work with line plots. Data represented on line plots will be used to solve problems involving ordering fractions, adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators, and multiplying with fractions and mixed numbers.” An example of a line plot is shown.

Indicator 3C
02/02

Materials include standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for including standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series. 

Standards correlation information is indicated in the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, the Topic Planner, the Lesson Overview, and throughout each lesson. Examples include:

  • The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Grade 4 Correlation to Standards For Mathematical Content organizes standards by their Domain and  Major Cluster and indicates those lessons and activities within the Student’s Edition and Teacher’s Edition that align with the standard. Lessons and activities with the most in-depth coverage of a standard are distinguished by boldface. The Correlation document also includes the Mathematical Practices. Although the application of the mathematical practices can be found throughout the program, the document indicates examples of lessons and activities within the Student’s Edition and Teacher’s Edition that align with each math practice.

  • The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Scope & Sequence organizes standards by their Domain, Major Cluster, and specific component. The document indicates those topics that align with the specific component of the standard.

  • The Teacher’s Edition, Topic Planner indicates the standards and Mathematical Practices that align to each lesson.

The Teacher’s Edition, Math Background: Coherence provides information that summarizes the content connections across grades. Examples of where explanations of the role of the specific grade-level mathematics are present in the context of the series include:

  • Topic 4, Math Background: Coherence, the materials highlight three of the learnings within the topics: “Estimation, Models and the Distributive Property, and Problem Solving” with a description provided for each learning, including which lesson(s) cover the learnings. The “Look Ahead” section asks the question, “How does Topic 4 connect to what students will learn later?” and provides Grade 5 connections, “Develop Fluency with the Standard Multiplication Algorithm In Topic 3, students will develop fluency in using the standard algorithm for multiplying multi-digit whole numbers. Multiply Decimals In Topic 4, students will use models and strategies to multiply decimals to hundredths.”

  • Topic 8, Math Background: Coherence, the materials highlight three of the learnings within the topics: “Equivalent Fractions, Visual Models, and Word Problems Involving Fractions” with a description provided for each learning, including which lesson(s) cover the learnings. The “Look Ahead” section asks the question, “How does Topic 8 connect to what students will learn later?” and provides a Grade 5 connection, “Fraction Computation In Topic 7, students will add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators. In Topic 8, they will multiply fractions. In Topic 9, they will interpret a fraction as division, and they will divide unit fractions and whole numbers.”

  • Topic 16, Math Background: Coherence, the materials highlight three of the learnings within the topics: “Use Line Reltionships in Classifying Quadrilaterals, Classify Triangles and Quadrilaterals, and Recognize and Draw Line-Symmetric Figures” with a description provided for each learning, including which lesson(s) cover the learnings. The “Look Ahead” section asks the question, “How does Topic 16 connect to what students will learn later?” and provides Grade 5 connections, “Understand the Coordinate Plane In Topic 14, students will learn that a coordinate plane is defined by perpendicular number lines called the x-axis and the y-axis. These lines intersect at the origin which has coordinates (0, 0). Classify Two-Dimensional Figures In Topic 16, students will classify triangles and quadrilaterls based on their properties. They will learn that an attribute belonging to a category of plane figures also belongs to all subcategories. They further learn to classify and organize two-dimensional figures into Venn diagrams based on the attributes of the figures.”

Indicator 3D
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Materials provide strategies for informing all stakeholders, including students, parents, or caregivers about the program and suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 provide strategies for informing all stakeholders, including students, parents, or caregivers about the program and suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement. All resources are provided in English and Spanish.

In the Teacher Resource section, a “Parent Letter” is provided for each topic. The “Parent Letter” describes what the student is learning in each topic, an example of a problem students will learn to solve, and a suggestion of an activity the family could try at home.

  • Home-School Connection, Topic 1, Generalizing Place Value Understanding, “Dear Family, Your child is learning how greater numbers are written, how place values are related, and how to compare numbers. In this topic he or she will learn about the structure of the place-value system with numbers through 1 million. This topic will also allow your child to recognize that the value of a digit depends on its place in a number and that a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right. This is an important skill that will allow your child to communicate mathematical ideas and reasoning. The first 7 is in the thousands place. Its value is 7,000. The second 7 is in the hundreds place. Its value is 700. Know Your Numbers Materials index card, paper and pencil Make a set of number cards by writing one digit 0 through 9 on each index card. Have your child select cards and arrange them to make the greatest possible 6-digit number. Record the number. For example, if the digits are 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9, the greatest number is 976,531. Then have your child rearrange the cards to make the least possible 6-digit number (135,679). Record the number. Have your child read both recorded numbers aloud. Repeat the activity several times using different 6-digit numbers.”

In the Grade 4 Family Engagement section, the materials state the following:

Welcome Thank you for working with your child’s teacher and with us, the authors of enVision Mathematics, to advance your child’s learning. This is important to us, and we know it is to you. enVision Mathematics was specifically designed to implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and to foster your child’s success. enVision Mathematics was developed to help children see the math. And the program includes resources to help families see the math as well.” 

These resources are divided into the following areas:

  • Overview of Resources “enVision Mathematics offers a variety of digital resources to help your child see the math. Your child can access and utilize these resources at any time in their student login portal.”

  • Content and Standards “enVision Mathematics was specifically developed for the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Each lesson is correlated to one or more of the content standards and one or more of the math practice standards. To help you understand the standards and how they are applied in enVision Mathematics, family-friendly explanations and examples are provided. When helping your child with homework, reference this document to understand the mathematical expectations for each content standard and to see how your child might engage with each math practice standard.”

  • Topic/Lesson Support “View topic- and lesson-level support. Look for an overview of each topic’s content, sample worked problems, and related home activities.”

Indicator 3E
02/02

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

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies. The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview provides detailed explanations behind the instructional approaches of the program and cites research-based strategies for the layout of the program. Unless otherwise noted all examples are found in the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview.

Examples where materials explain the instructional approaches of the program and describe research-based strategies include:

  • The Program Goal section states the following: “The major goal in developing enVision Mathematics was to create a program for which we can promise student success and higher achievement. We have achieved this goal. We know this for two reasons. 1. EFFICACY RESEARCH First, the development of enVision Mathematics started with a curriculum that research has shown to be highly effective: the original enVisionMATH program (PRES Associates, 2009; What Works Clearinghouse, 2013). 2. RESEARCH PRINCIPLES FOR TEACHING WITH UNDERSTANDING The second reason we can promise success is that enVision Mathematics fully embraces time-proven research principles for teaching mathematics with understanding. One understands an idea in mathematics when one can connect that idea to previously learned ideas (Hiebert et al., 1997). So, understanding is based on making connections, and enVision Mathematics was developed on this principle.”

  • The Instructional Model section states the following: “There has been more research in the past fifteen years showing the effectiveness of problem-based teaching and learning, part of the core instructional approach used in enVision Mathematics, than any other area of teaching and learning mathematics (see e.g., Lester and Charles, 2003). Furthermore, rigor in mathematics curriculum and instruction begins with problem-based teaching and learning. … there are two key steps to the core instructional model in enVision Mathematics. STEP 1 PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING Introduce concepts and procedures with a problem-solving experience. Research shows that conceptual understanding is developed when new mathematics is introduced in the context of solving a real problem in which ideas related to the new content are embedded (Kapur, 2010; Lester and Charles, 2003; Scott, 2014)... STEP 2 VISUAL LEARNING Make the important mathematics explicit with enhanced direct instruction connected to Step 1. The important mathematics is the new concept or procedure students should understand (Hiebert, 2003; Rasmussen, Yackel, and King, 2003). Quite often the important mathematics will come naturally from the classroom discussion around students’ thinking and solutions from the Solve and Share task…”

  • Other research includes the following:

    • Hiebert, J.; T. Carpenter; E. Fennema; K. Fuson; D. Wearne; H. Murray; A. Olivier; and P.Human. Making Sense: Teaching and Learning Mathematics with Understanding. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1997.

    • Hiebert, J. (2003). Signposts for teaching mathematics through problem solving. In F. Lester, Jr. and R. Charles, eds. Teaching mathematics through problem solving: Grades Pre-K–6 (pp. 53–61). Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

  • Throughout the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview references to research-based strategies are cited with some reference pages included at the end of some authors' work.

Indicator 3F
01/01

Materials provide a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.

In the online Teacher Resources for each grade, a Materials List is provided in table format identifying the required materials and the topic(s) where they will be used. Additionally, the materials needed for each lesson can be found in the Topic Planner and the Lesson Overview. Example includes:

  • Topic 1, Topic Planner, Lesson 1-2, Materials, “Place-Value Charts (or TT 3)”

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-1, Lesson Resources, Materials, “Centimeter grid paper (or Teaching Tool 9), 2-color square counters (or Teaching Tool 16)”

  • Teacher Resources, Grade 4: Materials List, the table indicates that Topic 12 will require the following materials: “1-inch grid paper, 2-color counters (or Teaching Tool 15), Decimal models (or Teaching Tool 7), ...”

Indicator 3G
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This is not an assessed indicator in Mathematics.

Indicator 3H
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This is not an assessed indicator in Mathematics.

Criterion 3.2: Assessment

09/10

The program includes a system of assessments identifying how materials provide tools, guidance, and support for teachers to collect, interpret, and act on data about student progress towards the standards.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for Assessment. The materials include an assessment system that provides multiple opportunities throughout the courses to determine students' learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up. The materials also provide assessments that include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of course-level standards and practices. The materials partially include assessment information in the materials to indicate which standards are assessed.

Indicator 3I
01/02

Assessment information is included in the materials to indicate which standards are assessed.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially meet expectations for having assessment information included in the materials to indicate which standards are assessed. The materials do not identify practices for most of the assessment items.

The materials identify the following assessments in the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview:

  • Diagnostic Assessments are to be given at the start of the year and the start of a topic; they consist of a Readiness Test, Diagnostic Tests, and “Review What You Know.”

  • Formative Assessments are incorporated throughout each lesson. Some examples of formative assessments include: Guided Practice, Convince Me!, and Quick Check.

  • Summative Assessments, including Topic Assessments and Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments, are provided in multiple editable forms to assess student understanding after each topic and/or group of topics as well as at the end of the course.

The Teacher’s Edition maps content standards to items from Diagnostic and Summative Assessments and identifies Standards for Mathematical Practices only when the assessment is within the lesson. The standards are not listed in the student materials. Examples of how the materials identify the standards include:

  • Topic 2, Topic Performance Task, Problem 3, “Use the Metal Beads table to answer the questions. Part A Write and solve an equation to show how many more beads, b, are in an order of gold beads than in an order of platinum beads. Part B Craftology orders the brass and copper beads. After they arrive, the store sells 29,735 of them. How many beads does Craftology have left from their order? Show your computations.” A table is given titled “Metal Beads”, with the following names and values: Gold, 14,960, Silver, 8,147, Platinum, 6,488, Brass, 30,019 and Copper 20,605. Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates Standards, 4.OA.A.3, 4.NBT.B4, and MP.1 for 3A and 4.NBT.B.4 and MP.7 for 3B.

  • Topic 4, Topic Assessment Masters, Problem 12, “One mural is 27 feet long and 12 feet wide. Another mural is 18 feet long and 10 feet wide. What is the difference between the areas of the two murals? Use equations to show your work. ___ square feet.” Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates Standards, 4.OA.A.3 and 4.NBT.B.5.

  • Topic 9, Review What You Know/Vocabulary Cards and Activity, Problem 13, “Problem Solving Meg saved coins she found for a year. She found a total of 95 pennies, 13 nickels, 41 dimes, and 11 quarters. She would like to evenly divide the coins into 4 piggy banks. How many coins will go in each piggy bank?” Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates Standard, 4.OA.A.3.

  • Topic 13, Lesson 13-2, Guided Practice, Do You Know How? Problem 3, Convert each unit. “2 cups = ____ fluid ounces” The Lesson Overview indicates Standards, 4.OA.A.3, 4.NF.B.3d, 4.NF.B.4c, 4.MD.A.1, 4.MD.A.2, MP.1, MP.2, and MP.8.

Indicator 3J
04/04

Assessment system provides multiple opportunities throughout the grade, course, and/or series to determine students' learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for including an assessment system that provides multiple opportunities throughout the grade  to determine students’ learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up. 

The assessment system provides multiple opportunities to determine student’s learning throughout the lessons and topics. Answer keys and scoring guides are provided. In addition, teachers are given recommendations for Math Diagnosis and Intervention System (MDIS) lessons based on student scores. If assessments are given on the digital platform, students are automatically placed into intervention based on their responses.

Examples include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-2, Independent Practice, Evaluate, Quick Check, Problem 11, “Check mark indicates items for prescribing differentiation on the next page. Item 5: each 1 point. Items 12 and 13: up to 3 points.” For example, Directions “During a basketball game, 75 cups of fruit punch were sold. Each cup holds 20 fluid ounces. How many total fluid ounces of fruit punch were sold?” The following page, Step 3: Assess and Differentiate states, “Use the Quick Check on the previous page to prescribe differentiated instruction. I Intervention 0-3 points, O On-Level 4 points, A Advanced 5 points.” The materials provide follow-up activities—to be assigned at the teacher’s discretion—to students at each indicated level: Intervention Activity I, Technology Center I O A, Reteach to Build Understanding I,  Build Mathematical Literacy I O, Enrichment O A, Activity Centers I O A, and Additional Practice Leveled Assignment I Items 1-4, 7-9, 12, O Items 1-2, 4-5, 7-8, 11-12, and A Items 1-2, 5-6, 9-12.

  • Topic 7, Topic Assessment, Problem 4, “Determine if each number is prime or composite. Then write all the factors for each number. 19, 33” Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates: DOK 2; MDIS G57; Standard 4.OA.B.4.” Scoring Guide indicates: 4 2 point “Correct answer and factors” and 1 point “Correct answer or factors.”

  • Topic 10, Topic Performance Task, Problem 1A, “School Mural Paul has permission to paint a 20-panel mural for his school. Part of the mural is shown in the Painting a Mural table. Paul decides he needs help. The Helpers table shows how much several of his friends can paint each day and how many days a week they can paint.” The materials show a mural with the caption, “Paul paints 910\frac{9}{10} panel a day” and a table that lists three helpers and how many panels they can paint in a day and in a week. “1. The students want to find how long it will take to paint the mural if each works on a different part of the panels a different number of days a week. Part A How many panels can Leeza paint in a week? Use fraction strips to explain.” Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates: DOK 3, MDIS H47, Standard 4.NF.B.3a, MP.4. Scoring Guide indicates: 2 points “Correct answer and explanation” and 1 point “Correct answer or explanation.”

  • Topics 1-16, Cumulative/Benchmark Assessment, Problem 12, “Marco has 2 pieces of rope that are each 8 yards long. How many feet of rope does Marco have? Explain.” Item Analysis for Diagnosis and Intervention indicates: DOK 2, MDIS I32, Standard 4.MD.A.1 and 4.MD.A.2”  Scoring Guide indicates: 2 points “Correct answer and explanation” and 1 point “Correct answer or explanation.”

Indicator 3K
04/04

Assessments include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of grade-level/course-level standards and practices across the series.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing assessments that include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of grade-level standards and practices across the series.

The materials provide formative and summative assessments throughout the grade as print and digital resources. As detailed in the Assessment Sourcebook, the formative assessments—observational tools, Convince Me!, Guided Practice, and Quick Checks—occur during and/or at the end of a lesson. The summative assessments—Topic Assessment, Topic Performance Task, and Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments—occur at the end of a topic, group of topics, and at the end of the year.  The four Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments address Topics 1-4, 1-8, 1-11, and 1-16. 

  • Observational Assessment Tools “Use Realize Scout Observational Assessment and/or the Solve & Share Observation Tool blackline master.”

  • Convince Me! “Assess students’ understanding of concepts and skills presented in each example; results can be used to modify instruction as needed.”

  • Guided Practice “Assess students’ conceptual understanding and procedural fluency with lesson content; results can be used to review or revisit content.”

  • Quick Check “Assess students’ conceptual understanding and procedural fluency with lesson content; results can be used to prescribe differentiated instruction.”

  • Topic Assessment “Assess students’ conceptual understanding and procedural fluency with topic content.” Additional Topic Assessments are available with ExamView.

  • Topic Performance Task “Assess students’ ability to apply concepts learned and proficiency with math practices.

  • Cumulative/Benchmark Assessments “Assess students’ understanding of and proficiency with concepts and skills taught throughout the school year.”

The formative and summative assessments allow students to demonstrate their conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and ability to make application through a variety of item types. Examples include: 

  • Order; Categorize

  • Matching

  • Graphing

  • Yes or No; True or False

  • Number line

  • True or False

  • Multiple choice

  • Fill-in-the-blank

  • Technology-enhanced responses (e.g., drag and drop)

  • Constructed response (i.e., short and extended responses)

Indicator 3L
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Assessments offer accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without changing the content of the assessment.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially provide assessments which offer accommodations that allow students to determine their knowledge and skills without changing the content of the assessment.

The Topic Online Assessment offers text-to-speech accommodation in English and Spanish for students. For the Topic Performance Task, students can draw, stamp (this allows various items including but not limited to: red/yellow counters, ten frames, part part whole diagrams, connecting cube of various colors, place value blocks, and money), place text, place a shape, place a number line, and add an image. Students also have access to additional Math Tools, and a English/Spanish Glossary.

According to the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, “Types of Assessments Readiness assessments help you find out what students know. Formative assessments in lessons inform instruction. Various summative assessments help you determine what students have learned… Auto-scored online assessments can be customized.” In addition to customizing assessments, Teachers are able to alter an assessment—for one student or multiple students—but in ways that change the content of the assessment: by deleting items, by adding from item sets, or by creating/adding their own questions.

Criterion 3.3: Student Supports

07/08

The program includes materials designed for each student’s regular and active participation in grade-level/grade-band/series content.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially meet expectations for Student Supports. The materials provide: strategies and supports for students in special populations and for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to support their regular and active participation in learning grade-level mathematics; and manipulatives, both virtual and physical, that are accurate representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods. The materials partially provide extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with grade-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity.

Indicator 3M
02/02

Materials provide strategies and supports for students in special populations to support their regular and active participation in learning grade-level/series mathematics.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing strategies and support for students in special populations to support their regular and active participation in learning grade-level mathematics. 

The materials provide strategies and support for students in special populations via its 3-tier Response to Intervention (RtI) Differentiated Instruction plan.

  • Tier 1 offers Ongoing Intervention: “During the core lesson, monitor progress, reteach as needed, and extend students’ thinking.” 

    • Types of support include:

      • Guiding Questions -  In the Teacher’s Edition Guiding questions are used to monitor understanding during instruction. Online Guiding Questions Guiding questions are also in the online Visual Learning Animation Plus.

      • Preventing Misconceptions - This feature in the Teacher’s Edition is embedded in the guiding questions.

      • Error Intervention: If… then… - This feature in the Teacher’s Edition is provided during Guided Practice. It spotlights common errors and gives suggestions for addressing them. 

      • Reteaching - Reteaching sets are at the end of the topic in the Student’s Edition. They provide additional examples, reminders, and practice. Use these sets as needed before students do the Independent Practice. 

      • Higher Order Thinking - These problems require students to think more deeply about the rich, conceptual knowledge developed in the lesson.

      • Practice Buddy Online - Online interactive practice is provided for most lessons.

  • Tier 2 offers Strategic Intervention: “At the end of the lesson, assess to identify students’ strengths and needs and then provide appropriate support.” The Quick Check (either in print or online) is used to prescribe differentiated instruction for Tier 2 interventions based on the following scale: I = Intervention 0-3 points, O = On-Level 4 points and A = Advanced 5 points. 

    • Types of support include:

      • Intervention Activity (I) - Teachers work with struggling students. 

      • Technology Center Activities (I, O, A) - Digital Math Tools Activities reinforce the lesson content or previously taught content using a suite of digital math tools. Online Games practice the lesson content or previously taught content.

      • Reteach to Build Understanding (I) - This is a page of guided reteaching.

      • Build Mathematical Literacy (I, O) - Help students read math problems.

      • Enrichment (O, A) - Enhances students’ thinking.

      • Activity Centers (I, O, A) - Pick a Project lets students choose from a variety of engaging, rich projects. enVision STEM Activity is related to the topic science theme introduced at the start of the topic. Problem-Solving Leveled Reading Mat is used with a lesson-specific activity.

      • Additional Practice (I, O, A) - Use the leveled assignment to provide differentiated practice.

  • Tier 3 offers Intensive Intervention: “As needed, provide more instruction that is on or below grade level for students who are struggling.”

    • Math Diagnosis and Intervention System (MDIS)

      • Diagnosis Use the diagnostic test in the system. Also, use the item analysis charts given with program assessments at the start of a grade or topic, or a the end of a topic, group of topics, or the year.

      • Intervention Lessons These two-page lessons include guided instruction followed by practice. The system includes lessons below, on, and above grade level, separated into five booklets.

      • Teacher Supports Teacher Notes provide the support needed to conduct a short lesson. The Lesson focuses on vocabulary, concept development, and practice. The Teacher’s Guide contains individual and class record forms, correlations to Student’s Edition lessons, and correlation of the Common Core State Standards to MDIS.

Examples of the materials providing strategies and support for students in special populations include: 

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-2, RtI 1, “Guided Practice Error Intervention Item 1 If students try to solve using front-end estimation, then ask if rounding to the nearest thousand, which place do you look at? If rounding to the nearest hundred, which place do you look at?”

  • Topic 6, Lesson 6-1, RtI 2, “Use the QUICK CHECK on the previous page to prescribe differentiated instruction. Activity Centers (I, O, A), Problem-Solving Leveled Reading Mats Have students read the Problem Solving Leveled Reading Mat for Topic 6 and then complete Problem-Solving Reading Activity 6-1. The reading is leveled on the two sides of the mat.  See the Problem-Solving Leveled Reading Activity Guide for other suggestions on how to use this mat.”

Indicator 3N
01/02

Materials provide extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with grade-level/course-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially meet expectations for providing extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with grade-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity.

Within each topic, the Differentiated Instruction resource for teachers identifies activities intended for more advanced students such as Enrichment or Extensions. Enrichment is “higher order thinking work (that) helps students develop deeper understandings.” Extensions, which come in the form of Teacher Resource Masters (online and in print), include Pick a Project, an enVision STEM Activity, and Problem Solving Leveled Reading Mats—all grouped in Activity Centers—and Additional Practice. The Technology Center includes Digital Math Tools Activities and Online Games for advanced learners. Assignments are auto-assigned based on formative assessment scores in the online platform, however, there is no guidance on how to use these materials in the classroom in a way that would ensure advanced learners would not be completing more assignments than their peers.  

Examples of Enrichment and Extensions include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-4, Enrichment, Problem 1, “You work at a pet shop. One of your jobs is to feed all the animals. Answer the questions below using the chart at the right. First thing in the morning you feed the fish. The 12 fish tanks have a total of 26 large fish. You can choose between two kinds of pellets. 1. Which kind of pellets do you choose? Estimate the number of pellets you need. Explain your method.” The materials show a Daily Feeding Chart that specifies how much of two different types of pellets to feed each fish and how much of dry food and wet food to feed each puppy. Students select a type of food and multiply the chosen recommendation; for example, for super pellets, students estimate 26×1126 \times 11 by finding 26×1026 \times 10.

  • Topic 11, Lesson 11-3, Additional Practice, Problem 3, “enVision STEM To predict volcanic eruptions, scientists may use a seismograph to detect small earthquakes. Out of the 169 active volcanoes in the U.S., about 130 are in Alaska. About how many active U.S. volcanoes are NOT in Alaska?” Students estimate 169130169 - 130 by subtracting 170130170 - 130.

Indicator 3O
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Materials provide varied approaches to learning tasks over time and variety in how students are expected to demonstrate their learning with opportunities for students to monitor their learning.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially provide varied approaches to learning tasks over time and variety in how students are expected to demonstrate their learning with opportunities for students to monitor their learning. The materials provide a variety of approaches for students to learn the content over time but provide limited opportunities for students to monitor their learning.

Students engage with problem-solving in a variety of ways within a consistent lesson structure. The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview indicates that the lesson structure incorporates both Problem-based Learning and Visual Learning within the 5Es instruction framework: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Examples of how the lesson structure allows for varied approaches to learning tasks and variety in how students demonstrate their learning include:

  • Problem-based Learning

    • Engage and Explore: Solve & Share begins the lesson instruction by asking students to solve a problem that embeds new ideas. Students will use concrete materials or pictorial representations and may solve these problems any way they choose.

  • Visual Learning

    • Explain: Visual Learning Bridge offers “explicit instruction that connects students’ work in Solve & Share to new ideas taught in the lesson. The Visual Learning Bridge at times shows pictures of concrete materials, drawing of concrete materials, and/or diagrams that are representations of mathematical concepts.” Convince Me! “checks for understanding right after the instruction.”

    • Elaborate: Guided Practice, which includes concepts and skills, checks for understanding before students progress to Independent Practice and allows for error intervention by the teacher. Independent Practice and Problem Solving are opportunities to build(s) proficiency as students work on their own. Problem types are varied throughout and vocabulary questions build understanding.

    • Evaluate: Quick Check varies depending on the source of student interaction: Students engage with three items if using the Student’s Edition and five items in a variety of lesson formats if using online. In both cases, a total of five points is possible and scores may be “used to prescribe intervention, on-level, or advanced resources.”

Indicator 3P
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Materials provide opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 provide some opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies. The Program Overview suggests using assessment data to group students, and the Teacher’s Edition routinely suggests using groups for different activities. While suggestions for the timing and size of groups are explicit within a structured instructional routine; suggestions do not always address how to form specific groups based on the needs of individual students. Examples of how the materials provide opportunities for teachers to use grouping in instruction include:

  • The Program Overview suggests, “Using Assessment Data You can use the assessment data to organize students into groups for purposes of making instructional decisions and assigning differentiation resources.” Teacher can choose the breakpoint for the assessment and students above and below the breakpoint will be put into two separate groups. 

  • The Teacher’s Edition indicates:

    • Pick a Project, “Grouping You might have students who work alone or with a partner or small group. … Project Sharing Students should share their completed projects with a partner, a small group, or the whole class.”

    • Vocabulary Activity: Frayer Model … you may wish to have students work in groups to complete Frayer models for different vocabulary words.”

    • 3-Act Math guidance indicates, “Develop A MODEL - small group - partners, … EXTEND THE TASK - individual, … and REVISE THE MODEL - individual.”

Indicator 3Q
02/02

Materials provide strategies and supports for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to regularly participate in learning grade-level mathematics.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing strategies and supports for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to regularly participate in learning grade-level mathematics.

The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Supporting English Language Learners section, list the following strategies and supports: 

  • Lesson Language Objective for each lesson indicates a way that students can demonstrate their understanding of the math content through language modalities.

  • Two ELL suggestions for every lesson are provided in the Teacher’s Edition. One suggestion is used with Solve & Share and the other is used with the Visual Learning Bridge.

  • Levels of English language proficiency are indicated, and they align with the following levels identified in WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment): Entering, Emerging, Developing, Expanding, Bridging.

  • ELL consultants, Janice Corona from Dallas, Texas, and Jim Cummins from Toronto, Canada, ensured quality ELL instruction.

  • Language Support Handbook provides topic and lesson instructional support that promotes language development. Includes teaching support for Academic Vocabulary, Lesson Self-Assessment Recording Sheets, and more.

  • Visual Learning Animation Plus provides motion and sound to help lower language barriers to learning.

  • Visual Learning Bridge often has visual models to help give meaning to math language. Instruction is stepped out to visually organize important ideas.

  • Animated Glossary is always available to students and teachers while using digital resources. The glossary is in English and Spanish.

  • Pictures with a purpose appear in lesson practice to help communicate information related to math concepts or to real-world problems. You many want to display the Interactive Student Edition pages so you can point to specific pictures or words on the pages when discussing the practice”

Examples where the materials provide strategies and supports for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English include:

  • Topic 3, Lesson 3-2, English Language Learners (Use with the Solve & Share), “Entering Pair students and have them answer these two questions on paper: ‘What is a week?’ ‘How many weeks are in the problem?’ ” This strategy/support falls under the Writing category.

  • Topic 7, Lesson 7-3, English Language Learners (Use with the Solve & Share), “Speaking Write ‘array’ on the board. Use self-stick notes to create an array with 2 rows and 4 columns on the board.” The teacher then have the choice between Emerging, Developing or Expanding, strategies and supports.

  • Topic 11, Lesson 11-4, English Language Learners (Use with the Visual Learning Bridge), “Bridging Ask students to tell the number in the yellow box. Say: This is the number you will start count at. Ask students to tell the number in the red box. Say: This is the number you will stop counting at. Have students count each number. Ask students to explain the steps they took.”

A general support that the materials provide for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English and Spanish include PDFs that may be downloaded and translated to meet individual student needs.

Indicator 3R
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Materials provide a balance of images or information about people, representing various demographic and physical characteristics.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 provide a balance of images or information about people, representing various demographic and physical characteristics.

Materials represent a variety of genders, races, and ethnicities as well as students with disabilities. All are indicated with no bias and represent different populations. The Avatars that work with students throughout the grade that represent various demographics and physical characteristics are named: Alex, Carlos, Daniel, Emily, Jackson, Jada, Marta and Zeke. When images of people are used they do represent different races and portray people from many ethnicities in a positive, respectful manner, with no demographic bias for who achieves success in the context of problems. Examples include:

  • Topic 2, Lesson 2-4, Problem Solving, Problem 20, “Number Sense Maria added 45,273 and 35,687 and got a sum of 70,960. Is Maria’s answer reasonable? Explain.”

  • Topic 6, Lesson 6-4, Independent Practice, Problem 5, “Kendra is using 27 blue patches and some white patches to make a quilt. The quilt has a total area of 540 square inches. Each patch has an area of 9 square inches. How much of the area of the quilt is white?”

Topic 10, Lesson 10-4, Assessment Practice, Problem 12, “It takes Krys and Glen 14\frac{1}{4} hour to walk a mile. This week Krys walked 9 miles and Glen walked 3 miles. How much longer did Krys walk then Glen?”

Indicator 3S
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Materials provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student home language to facilitate learning.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student home language to facilitate learning.

The materials include a Language Support Handbook and Spanish versions of the Interactive Student Edition, all online and print instructional resources (e.g., Glossary), and the Family Engagement materials (which entails an overview of Resources, Content and Standards, and Topic/Lesson Supports).

The Language Support Handbook makes clear the philosophy about drawing upon student home language to facilitate learning: “ … Over the years, new language is meaningful when it is connected to a variety of experiences, objects, pictures, abstract ideas, and previously-learned language.  … For meaningful learning, help students connect new ideas and languages to a variety of experiences, objects, pictures, abstract ideas, and previously-learned language. … Provide language support as needed, while giving all students full access to rich experiences that facilitate meaningful, engaging learning. Make math class a place that continues to nurture children’s natural love of learning.”

The Language Support Handbook provides Professional Reading: Language Support in Mathematics, Academic Vocabulary Resources, and Language Support Activities. Professional Reading focuses on supporting access to mathematical thinking; supporting productive struggle in mathematics; supporting reading, writing, speaking, and representing; supporting vocabulary and language in mathematics; supporting classroom conversations in mathematics; and scaffolding without overscaffolding. Additional Resources include WIDA proficiency level descriptors, types of math problems involving operations, academic vocabulary activities, academic vocabulary in six languages, and the Language Demands in Mathematics Lessons (LDML) Tool.

Materials can be accessed in different languages by highlighting any text in the Student Edition (not available in the interactive version) and pressing the translate button. The text that is highlighted will be translated with text only or with text and text to speech (audio support) depending on the language availability in the settings. All translations are done by Google and students are also able to control the speed of the voice. Languages that are available include but are not limited to the following: Afrikaans (audio support), Belarusian, Bosnian, Chinese Traditional (audio support), Finnish (audio support), Galician (audio support), Greek (audio support), Haitian Creole, Portuguese (audio support), Spanish (audio support)...etc.

While Language Supports are regularly embedded within lessons and support mathematical language development, they do not include specific suggestions for drawing on a student’s home language.

Indicator 3T
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Materials provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds to facilitate learning.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds to facilitate learning.

The Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, states the following about Pick a Project, “Student Choice Pick a Project offers students the opportunity to explore areas of interest and complete projects of their choosing. This kind of student choice has special benefits related to differentiation, motivation, and open-ended rich tasks…Varied contexts in the projects let students choose contexts related to everyday life as well as contexts with cross-curricular connections to social studies, science, art, and literacy.” Some of the project choices in the Pick a Project gives students opportunities to draw upon their cultural and social background. Additionally, enVision STEM Project extensions, sometimes include tasks that require students to draw on their everyday life.

Examples of the materials drawing upon students’ cultural and/or social backgrounds to facilitate learning include:

  • Topic 4, enVision STEM Project, “Extension Water is often used in the process of generating energy. Have students record the amount of water they and their family use during everyday activiites such as showering or washing clothes. Then, have them estimate the amount of water used for those activities each week.”

  • Topic 9, Pick a Project, the project choices are the following: Project 9A How do you follow a recipe? Project: Exploring Recipes, Project 9B Would you like to be a code breaker? Project: Create a Fraction Code, and Project 9C What is a farmers’ market? Project: Write and Perform a Skit.

Indicator 3U
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Materials provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility for students.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility for students. 

In the Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Build Mathematical Literacy section, it  describes resources for aspects of building mathematical literacy.  “Math Vocabulary describes resources to enhance instruction, practice, and review of math vocabulary used in the topic. Math and Reading describes resources to support leveled reading, help students read and understanding problems in the lesson practice…” 

The following are examples where materials provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility to students: 

  • Examples of the supports that are offered in the Math Vocabulary section include the following:

    • “My Words Cards Write-on vocabulary cards are provided at SavvasRealize.com. Students use information on the front of the cards to complete the back of the card. Additional activities are suggested on the back of the sheet of cards.

    • Vocabulary Review At the back of each topic is a page of Vocabulary Review. It includes questions to reinforce understanding of the vocabulary used in the topic and asks students to use vocabulary in writing.”

    • Animated Glossary An animated glossary is available to student online. Students can click to hear the word and the definition read aloud.

  • Examples of the supports that are offered in the Math and Reading section are the following:

    • Build Mathematical Literacy Lesson Masters These masters provide support to help students read and understand a problem from the lesson. The support is given in a variety of ways to enhance a student’s ability to comprehend the kind of text and visual displays in a math lesson.” 

    • Problem-Solving Leveled Reading Mat and Activity A big, colorful mat filled with data is provided for each topic in the Quick-and-Easy Centers Kit for Differentiated Instruction. One side of the mat has on-level reading and the other side has below-level reading. A Problem-Solving Reading Activity master is provided for 2 lessons in a topic. The activity has problems that use a context similar to the context on the mat.”

  • An example of student support:

    • Topic 7, Lesson 7-1, Build Mathematical Literacy, students are provide with questions to help understand the problem. “Jane says 5 is a factor of every whole number that has a 5 in the ones place. Fred says 5 is a factor of every whole number that has a 0 in the ones place. Who is correct? Explain. Examine Jane’s Claim 1. What is Jane’s Claim? 2. Give an example that illustrates Jane’s claim. If it’s not possible, explain why… Examine Fred’s Claim 4. What is Fred’s Claim? 5. Give an example that illustrates Fred’s claim. If it’s not possible, explain why…”

Throughout the materials, students can enable a text-to-speech feature in both the interactive and non-interactive student editions.

Indicator 3V
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Manipulatives, both virtual and physical, are accurate representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods.

The materials for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 meet expectations for providing manipulatives, both virtual and physical, that are accurate  representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods. 

In general, the manipulatives are visual images printed in the materials or virtual manipulatives found in the online materials. On occasion, students are prompted to use tools such as counters, cubes, place value blocks, ten frames, a ruler, a protractor, and grid paper. If and when the materials prompt students to use particular manipulatives, they are used appropriately. Examples of the overall use of manipulatives throughout the grade include:

  • Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Program Components indicates that “Manipulative Kits” accompany Teacher Resource Masters (online and in print). 

  • Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Using a Lesson, Assess and Differentiate, Quick-and-Easy Centers Kit for Differentiated Instruction includes “Holds mats, pages, and manipulatives for the Technology Center (Digital Math Tools Activities) and for the Activity Centers.”

  • Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Routines, Quick and Easy Implementation, “Accessible Available in both English and Spanish, the routines require little preparation and few or no physical materials. When needed, common manipulatives are used to reinforce hands-on experiences.”

  • Teacher’s Edition Program Overview, Math Practices, MP.5, states, “Students become fluent in the use of a wide assortment of tools ranging from physical objects, including manipulatives, rulers, protractors, and even pencil and paper, to digital tools, such as Online Math Tools and computers.”

Examples of how manipulatives, both virtual and physical, are representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate to written methods, include:

  • Topic 4, Lesson 4-4, Independent Practice, Problem 6, students use an array to represent multiplication of two two-digit numbers and show the product. “Use the array drawn on a grid to find each product. 6. 18×1818 \times 18.” The materials show an array on grid paper consisting of a 10×1010 \times 10 pink region, a 10×810 \times 8 purple region, an 8×108 \times 10 blue region, and an 8×88 \times 8 green region.

  • Topic 9, Lesson 9-3, Solve & Share, students use fraction strips to represent ingredients for nachos and tacos and find how much shredded cheese is used. “Jonas is making nachos and tacos for a family party. He uses 25\frac{2}{5} bag of shredded cheese for the nachos and 15\frac{1}{5} bag for the tacos. How much of the bag of shredded cheese does Jonas use? Solve this problem any way you choose.” Teacher guidance: “BEFORE 1. Pose the Solve & Share Problem You may wish to provide fraction strips (or Teaching Tool 13).  ... DURING 3. Observe Students at Work To support productive struggle, observe and, if needed, ask guiding questions that elicit thinking. What tools do students use to solve the problem? Students might use fraction strips or number lines to model the addition. If needed, ask: How can you use fraction strips or a number line to represent 25\frac{2}{5} and 15\frac{1}{5}? How do students find the sum of 25\frac{2}{5} and 15\frac{1}{5}? Students might draw 3 one-fifth fraction strips. If needed ask, How can you use your representation to add the fractions?”

  • Topic 15, Lesson 15-3, Independent Practice, Problem 8, students use pattern blocks to represent an angle and show its measure. “Find the measure of each angle. Use pattern blocks to help.” The materials show a 120° angle.

Criterion 3.4: Intentional Design

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The program includes a visual design that is engaging and references or integrates digital technology, when applicable, with guidance for teachers.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the grade-level standards, and the materials partially include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other. The materials have a visual design that supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic, and the materials provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning.

Indicator 3W
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Materials integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the grade-level/series standards, when applicable.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the grade-level/series standards, when applicable. The Teacher Edition Program Overview states, the “Interactive Student Edition K-5 consumable and online increase student engagement. Students develop deeper understanding of math ideas as they explain their thinking and solve rich problems.”

Students use DrawPad tools to interact with the prompts; the tools include draw, stamp, erase, text, shape, and add images. Examples of how the materials integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the grade-level standard include:

  • Topic 1, Lesson 1-1, Solve & Share, “Mrs. Darcy saved ten $100 bills. How much money did Mrs. Darcy save?” The materials provide a “Work Area.” The option is given for the students to play a recording of someone reading the problem. Students use tools from DrawPad to present their work.

  • Topic 5, Lesson 5-6, Problem Solving, Problem 12, “After a state fair, three 4th-grade classes volunteered to clean up the trash from the fairground. In total, they collected 1,281 pounds of trash. If each class collected the same amount, how many pounds of trash did each class collect?” Students use tools from DrawPad to complete the task.

  • Topic 14, Lesson 14-4, Interactive Additional Practice, Problem 1, “Use Structure Sarah is making diamond shapes with yarn like the ones shown. She adds the lengths of the sides to determine how much yarn she needs. What is the greatest side length Sarah could make with 48 inches of yarn? Use Exercises 1-3 to answer the question. 1. Complete the table to describe the pattern.” The materials show three diamonds with labeled side lengths: 2 in., 3 in., and 4 in. In Problem 1, the materials show a partial table with data organized in rows labeled, “Inches on One Side” and “Inches of Yarn Needed.” Students use tools from DrawPad to fill in two missing values in the table.

  • Under the Tools menu students also have access to additional tools and dynamic mathematics software including but not limited to the following:

    • Math Tools, these tools consist of the following: Counters, Money, Bar Diagrams, Fractions, Data and Graphs, Measuring Cylinders, Geometry, Number Line, Number Charts, Place-Value Blocks, Input-Output Machine, and Pan Balance.

    • Grade K: Game Center, which includes games about place-value relationships, fluency, and vocabulary.

Indicator 3X
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Materials include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other, when applicable.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 partially include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other, when applicable. The materials include digital technology that provides opportunities for student-to-teacher collaboration, and student-to-student collaboration but opportunities for teacher-to-teacher collaboration are not provided.

The digital system allows students and teachers to collaborate by commenting on assignments. The Savvas Realize help page states the following: “Realize Reader Comments Using the Realize Assignment Viewer, you can provide your student with feedback in their Realize Reader assignments by adding a comment to a highlight, annotation, or inline Notebook prompt response. When you or your student adds a comment, a comment thread is created that enables you to continue to communicate with each other in context.”

The digital system allows students to collaborate with other students and teachers through the Discussion Forums. The Savvas Realize help page states the following: “Discussion Forum Discussions enable you to facilitate class and group discussions on important academic and social topics. Students can reflect on learning, share ideas and opinions, or ask and answer questions. You can create, monitor, and reply to discussions, and students can participate in discussions you create. In addition, you can choose whether or not to score discussions.”

Indicator 3Y
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The visual design (whether in print or digital) supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 have a visual design (whether print or digital) that supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic.

There is a consistent design within topics and lessons that support student understanding of mathematics. Examples include:

  • Each topic begins with the Math Background (Focus, Coherence, and Rigor), Math Practices and ETP (Effective Teaching Practices), Differentiated Instruction, Build Mathematical Literacy, enVision STEM Project, Review What You Know!, Pick a Project, and 3-Act Math (if applicable).

  • Each lesson follows a common format:

    • Math Anytime consists of Today’s Challenge and Daily Review.

    • Step 1: Problem-Based Learning focuses on Solve & Share.

    • Step 2: Visual Learning consists of Visual Learning, Convince Me!, and Practice & Problem Solving which includes  Student Edition Practice, Interactive Practice Buddy, and Interactive Additional Practice.

    • Step 3: Assess & Differentiate consists of Quick Check, Reteach to Build Understanding, Build Mathematical Literacy, Enrichment, Digital Math Tool Activity, Pick a Project, and Another Look.

  • Each topic ends with the Fluency Review Activity, Vocabulary Review, Reteaching, Topic Assessment, Topic Performance Task, and Cumulative/Benchmark Assessment (if applicable).

  • Student materials include appropriate font size and placement of direction. There is ample space in the printable Student Task Statements, Assessment PDFs, and workbooks for students to capture calculations and write answers.

  • When images, graphics, or models are included, they clearly communicate information supporting student understanding of topics, texts, or concepts.

Indicator 3Z
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Materials provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning, when applicable.

The materials reviewed for enVision Mathematics Grade 4 provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning, when applicable. The materials provide teachers with multiple easy access points for technology and with specific guidance provided in the supplementary handouts.

Examples of teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology include:

  • Examples from the “Let’s Go Digital!” Handout,

    • Tools “Open the Tools menu anytime to find a variety of interactive tools that you and your students can use. Check out the Game Center and Math Tools.”

    • Planning a Topic “…Then, review the Today’s Challenge problems. Notice that each problem of the five-day challenge uses the same data with increasing difficulty each day. Consider displaying the problem at the beginning of the day and having students use the DrawPad tools to respond...”

    • Teaching a Lesson “...Start each lesson with the problem-based Solve & Share task. Display the problem from your computer and use the DrawPad tools to model your students’ ideas...”

  • An example from the Assessment Handout, “Additional Assessment Options On Savvas Realize, you can customize assessments to meet your instructional needs. To explore these options, click Customize under the assessment name. You can modify the title, the description, and whether the test should count toward mastery. To add questions, click Add items from test bank and search the bank of test items by standard or keyword. You can also add your own assessments. Select Create Content menu to upload files, add links, or build your own tests. Finally, check out ExamView test generator in the Tools menu.”

  • All of the above-mentioned handouts are also available as Tutorial Videos.

  • An example from the Savvas Realize help page, “Remove Students from a Realize Class You can remove students from a Realize class using the instructions in this topic. To remove a student that was imported from Google Classroom, see Remove Students Imported From Google Classroom. 1. Click Classes on the top menu bar, then select the class. 2. Click Students & groups on the left. 3. Click the 3-dot menu next to the student you want to remove, then click Remove Student.” Pictures are included with some steps to provide additional guidance.