Note on review tool version
See the top of the page to confirm the review tool version used for this report:
- Our current review tools are version 2.0. Learn more >
- Reports conducted using earlier review tools (version 1.0 or 1.5) contain valuable insights but may not fully align to current instructional priorities. Read our guide to using earlier reports and review tools >
Report Overview
Summary of Alignment & Usability: My Math | Math
Math K-2
With the exception of Kindergarten, the texts are designed so that a majority of the time is spent on the major work of the grade. Kindergarten does not spend daily time on counting and cardinality. The series gives students extensive work with grade-level problems. There are some assessment items from future grades, however, because of the number of test forms and the online test generator (allowing teachers to pick items and create their own assessments) those items can be replaced with grade level items.
Kindergarten
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
1st Grade
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
2nd Grade
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
Math 3-5
The texts provide a majority of the time on the major work of the grade. Fluency in Grade 3 is not as strong as in Grades 4 and 5. Additionally, the curriculum provides students with extensive work on grade-level problems. There are some assessment items from future grades, however, because of the number of test forms and the online test generator (allowing teachers to pick items and create their own assessments) those items can be replaced with grade level items.
3rd Grade
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
4th Grade
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
5th Grade
View Full ReportEdReports 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)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
Report for 5th Grade
Alignment Summary
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials meet the expectations for alignment to the CCSSM. The materials meet the expectations for Gateway 1 due to appropriately focusing on the major work of the grade and demonstrating coherence within the grade and across other grades. The instructional materials meet the expectations for Gateway 2 due to appropriately addressing rigor within the grade-level standards and attending to the specialized mathematical vocabulary. There are missed opportunities in the materials when it comes to attending to the full meaning of the standards for mathematical practices. Overall, the instructional materials address the content standards very well, attend to the specialized mathematical vocabulary, and do a nice job of identifying and partially integrating the practice standards.
5th Grade
Alignment (Gateway 1 & 2)
Usability (Gateway 3)
Overview of Gateway 1
Focus & Coherence
Students and teachers using the materials as designed will devote a majority of time in Grade 5 on the major work of the grade. The materials are mostly coherent and consistent with the standards. Assessments only represent grade-level work. Seven percent (7%) of the lessons are on future grade-level content and are not clearly identified. At least 75% of the time is spent on the major work of the grade. Overall, the materials do provide a focus on the major work and the materials are coherent.
Gateway 1
v1.0
Criterion 1.1: Focus
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials assess topics from future grade levels, however an online test generator is available, so points were not deducted. The form assessments are featured in the digital companion. Six assessment forms exist for each chapter and an online test generator is available.
Indicator 1A
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials assesses future grade-level content on form assessments; however an online test generator is included in the materials for teachers to create their own assessments. With the inclusion of the digital test generator the Grade 5 My Math materials would not assess future grade level content if teachers created their own assessments.
- My Math assesses content from future grades on its form assessments.
- The assessment for chapter 3, all forms, (examples form 1a questions 7, 8, 12; form 2a questions 4, 5, 10; and form 3a questions 10, 11, 15) assess division procedures. At this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- Chapter 4 all assessment forms (examples 1a questions 7, 8, 9; form 2a questions 6, 7, 8; and form 3a questions 8, 9, 10) assess division using procedures. At this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- Chapter 6 all assessment forms (examples form 1a questions 8, 9, 10; form 2a questions 5, 6, 7; and form 3a questions 17, 18, 19) assess division using procedures. At this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- The content in chapters 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 have two formative assessments and a chapter review which are in the student edition.
- The rest of the chapters-1, 2, 4, 7 and 8-have one formative assessment and a chapter review in the student edition.
- Assessments are available and ready-made for viewing and printing using the digital companion.
- There are four benchmark tests available online. Benchmark 1 (chapters 1-3), Benchmark 2 (chapters 4-6), Benchmark 3 (chapters 7-9), and Benchmark 4 (chapters 10-12).
Criterion 1.2: Coherence
Students and teachers using the materials as designed would devote the large majority of class time to the major work of the grade. Time spent on the major work was figured using days, lessons and chapters. At least 75% of the time is spent on the major work of the grade.
Indicator 1B
The Grade 5 instructional materials spend the majority of time on the major clusters of the grade. Grade 5 material for My Math is taught in 12 chapters which is scheduled to be taught in 160 days.
- Each chapter provides two days for review and assessment which are included in the 160-day count.
- In the materials, 124 out of 160 days are focused on the major work of the grade level. This means 76% of the work is focused on the major work of the grade.
- Nine of the 12 or about 75% of the time is spent on the major work of the grade.
- Three chapters (7, 11 and 12) or about 25% of the time is spent on supporting work. The supporting work is treated separately.
Criterion 1.3: Coherence
The instructional materials are mostly coherent and consistent with the standards. Nine lessons from future grade-level content are present and are not clearly identified as such. The materials represent a year of viable content. Teachers using the materials would give their students extensive work in grade-level problems, with 93% of the lessons representing grade-level work. Materials describe how the lessons connect with the grade-level standards and with prior and future standards. Overall coherence and consistency of the standards is achieved in Grade 5 My Math.
Indicator 1C
Supporting content for Grade 5 My Math enhances focus and content by engaging students in the major work of the grade. Overall, the instructional materials do not miss opportunities to connect non-major clusters of standards to major clusters, and as a result, the supporting content does engage students in the major work of Grade 5.
- In chapter 7, lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 support the major work in 5.NBT.B.
- In chapter 7, students must perform operations (5.NBT.B) to write and interpret numerical expressions (5.0A.A).
- In chapter 11, converting measurements supports the major work in 5.NBT.A and 5.NBT.B.
Indicator 1D
The amount of content designated for Grade 5 My Math is viable for one school year. Overall, the amount of time needed to complete the lessons is appropriate for a school year of approximately 170-190 days.
- There are 160 days of instruction.
- Each chapter also provides additional activities on each standard in the online teacher edition. This would provide time to reteach standards where students are struggling.
- The major work of the grade is the focus for 115 days.
Indicator 1E
Grade 5 My Math materials are partially consistent with the progressions in the standards. Future grade level content is not clearly identified. There are extensive grade-level problems and concepts are explicitly related to prior knowledge.
Materials mostly develop according to the grade-by-grade progressions and the standards. The future content is not clearly identified.
- There are nine lessons, which deal with future grade-level content, and those are not identified as off grade-level work.
- The content in lessons 3, 8, 9, 10 and 12 in chapter 3 uses procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- The content in lessons 3, 4 and 5 in chapter 4 use procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- The content in lessons 13 and 14, chapter 6 use procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- Each chapter has a page titled "What's in this chapter?" where the CCSSM are laid out along with a box that says "What will my students do next with these skills?" An example of this is chapter 6, page 371H.
- In each chapter is also a spot for coherence, which lists what happened before, now and next in the standards. An example of this can be found in chapter 6, lesson 1 on page 379A.
Materials give students extensive work with grade-level problems.
- The chapters in this book also contain a "Check My Progress" section to make sure students are ready to move on.
- There are enrichment and remediation worksheets available online. Differentiated Instruction activities are available in the teacher edition for students who are approaching level, on level, and above level.
- Grade level practice is evident in the Practice the Strategy, Apply the Strategy, and Review the Strategy sections within each lesson.
- There are 129 lessons over about 160 days.
- Of the lessons, 120, or 93% provide work with grade-level problems.
- The content in lessons 3, 8, 9, 10 and 12 in chapter 3 uses procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- The content in lessons 3, 4 and 5 in chapter 4 use procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
- The content in lessons 13 and 14 in chapter 6 use procedures for division; at this level conceptual understanding should be emphasized.
Materials relate grade-level concepts explicitly to prior knowledge from earlier grades.
- The "Am I Ready?" section at the start of each chapter is focused on knowledge that is truly prior knowledge either from previous grade work or from previous work in Grade 5. All prior knowledge is grade appropriate.
- Each chapter begins with a readiness quiz. This quiz can be taken in the student edition under "Am I Ready?" or online.
- Each lesson begins with a review problem of the day to review prior knowledge. For example, in chapter 9, page 613b contains the "review problem of the day."
- Each chapter has a page titled "What's in this chapter?" where the CCSSM are laid out along with a box that says "What will my students do next with these skills?" An example of this is chapter 6, page 371H.
- In each chapter there is also a spot for coherence, which lists what happened before, now and next in the standards. An example of this can be found in chapter 6, lesson 1 on page 379A.
Indicator 1F
1f. Grade 5 materials foster coherence through connections at a single grade level. Overall, the materials do include learning objectives that are visibly shaped by the CCSSM cluster headings, and the materials connect two or more clusters in a domain or two or more domains in a grade when appropriate.
Materials include learning objectives are visibly shaped by CCSSM cluster heading.
- Each standard is taught in the sequence that the CCSSM is written.
- In the chapter overview of the teacher edition, each lesson is identified as a major, supporting, or additional work. Also, the learning objective is listed below.
- Each lesson identifies the domain, cluster, objective, and any additional objectives that are addressed in the lesson.
Materials include problems and activities that serve to connect two or more clusters in a domain, or two or more domains in a grade.
- At the beginning of each chapter, the standards are clearly marked. The chapters connect many standards in a chapter.
- The content in lesson 2 in chapter 5 connects 5.NBT.B.4 with 5.NBT.B.7.
- The content in lesson 9 in chapter 7 connects 5.G.A.1 with 5.OA.B.3
- The content in chapter 7 incorporates both 5.OA and 5.G.
- The content in chapter 8 uses 5.NF along with 5.NBT.
- The content in chapter 12 combines 5.MD and 5.G.
Overview of Gateway 2
Rigor & Mathematical Practices
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials meet the expectations for rigor and mathematical practices. The instructional materials meet the expectations for the criterion on rigor and balance with a perfect score, however, the materials only partially meet the expectations of the criterion on practice-content connections due to not fully attending to the meaning of each MP standard. Overall, the instructional materials are strong in regards to rigor, identifying mathematical practices, and the language of mathematics.
Gateway 2
v1.0
Criterion 2.1: Rigor
The instructional materials reviewed for Grade 5 My Math meet expectations for rigor and balance. The instructional materials give appropriate attention to conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application, and the materials address these three aspects with balance, not always treating them separately and not always together. Overall, the instructional materials reflect the balances in the CCSSM, which helps students meet rigorous expectations by developing conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application.
Indicator 2A
Grade 5 My Math materials develop conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, especially where called for in specific content standards or cluster headings.
- The content in chapters 1-6, and 8, 10 and 12 specifically and fully address standards which are explicitly outlined as conceptual standards. (5.NBT.A, 5.NBT.B, 5.G.B.3, and 5.NF.B.3 through 5.NF.B.6)
- Of the 129 lessons, 73 are focused specifically on the conceptual understanding standards.
- The majority of the lessons in the series have a section "Investigate the Math" which targets conceptual understanding. This is contained in the online lesson presentation. For example, page 43B, teacher edition.
- All lessons in the series have a section called "Talk Math" which targets conceptual understanding. This is contained in the online lesson presentation. For example, page 771-772, teacher edition.
- The majority of the homework contains problems that provide students the opportunity to view and to demonstrate their conceptual understanding. For example, pages 193, 395-396, and 675-676, teacher/student edition.
- Procedures for division are presented in Grade 5. More attention is needed for the conceptual understanding of division to meet the standard.
Indicator 2B
The Grade 5 My Math materials give attention throughout the year to individual standards that set an expectation of procedural skill and fluency. Lessons contain multiple examples of fluency practice pages.
- In the student edition fluency practice pages are found in chapters 2 and 4. For example, see chapter 2, pages 143-144; and chapter 4, pages 289-290.
- Homework contains multiple opportunities for students to practice fluency.
- Each chapter in the online teacher edition has additional fluency pages available for printing.
- "Sail through the Math," an app game for fluency, is available for purchase ($1.99).
- 5.NBT.B.5 has seven lessons out of 129 which address the standard and are in chapters 2, 6 and 8.
- Procedural skills are present in the majority of the lessons. For example, page 404, teacher/student edition, contains procedural skill.
Indicator 2C
Grade 5 My Math materials are designed so teachers and students spend sufficient time working with engaging applications of the mathematics, without losing focus on the major work.
- The teacher edition states "Math in My World", "HOT (Higher Order Thinking) Problems," and "Real-World Problem-Solving Readers" address application.
- While "Real-World Problem-Solving Readers" are available to provide additional problems, they were not reviewed by EdReports.org as they are not included in the basic package with the student and teacher editions and were therefore considered supplementary.
- Most lessons begin with "Math in My World" which uses real-world problems to introduce concepts. For example, see chapter 3, lesson 10, page 215.
- The majority of "HOT Problems" address application. For example, see pages 122, 338 and 382, teacher/student edition.
- Real-world problems are found in the majority of lessons and homework assignments.
- "Count-down to Common Core" provides performance tasks requiring application of the standards. However, some future grade level content is included such as money and elapsed time.
Indicator 2D
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials meet the expectations for balance. Overall, the three aspects of rigor are neither always treated together nor always treated separately within the materials, and there is a balance of the three aspects of rigor within the grade.
- At the beginning of each lesson a "rigor" section exists identifying levels of complexity by problem or exercise number. For example, chapter 9, lesson 3 has three problems for conceptual learning (understand concepts), 12 problems for fluency/procedural skill (apply concepts), and five problems for application (extend concepts).
Criterion 2.2: Math Practices
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials partially meet the expectations for practice-content connections. The materials meet expectations for identifying the practice standards, prompting students to construct viable arguments, and explicitly attending to the specialized language of mathematics. Attending to mathematical vocabulary is a strength of the materials. However, the materials only partially meet the expectations for attending to the full meaning of each practice standard and engaging students in mathematical reasoning. Overall, in order to meet the expectations for meaningfully connecting the CCSSM and the MPs, the instructional materials should carefully attend to the full meaning of every MP, especially MP3 in regards to students critiquing the reasoning of other students.
Indicator 2E
In the Grade 5 My Math Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs) are identified and used to enrich mathematics content within and throughout Grade 5. Overall, the instructional materials do not over-identify or under-identify the MPs, and the MPs are used within and throughout the grade.
- The teacher edition, pages T22-T24 state the MPs and the corresponding pages.
- The practices are identified throughout all 129 lessons. Each lesson has three to four MPs as the focus.
- The student edition does indicate which mathematical practice the student is working in the lesson and in the homework.
Indicator 2F
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials partially meet the expectations for carefully attending to the full meaning of each practice standard. Overall, the instructional materials carefully attend to the full meaning of some of the practice standards but not for all of them.
Some practice standards do not fully address the intent/context of the MP. For example, MP1 on pages 17-18, 43-44, and 51-52, teacher/student edition, and MP2 on pages 11-12, 23A, and 55-56 teacher/student edition.
Some practice standards fully address the intent/context of the MP. Overall, MP 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were well-represented.
Indicator 2G
Indicator 2G.i
The instructional materials reviewed for Grade 5 My Math meet the expectations for prompting students to construct viable arguments and analyze the arguments of others concerning key grade-level mathematics detailed in the content standards. Overall, the materials consistently allow students to construct viable arguments and prompt students to analyze other student arguments.
- Materials provide opportunities for students to construct viable arguments independent of the teacher.
- The majority of "HOT Problems" have students constructing viable arguments. For example, see pages 32, 554, and 566, teacher/student edition.
- Some of the problems in the homework have students constructing viable arguments. For example, see pages 328, 676, 682, and 718, teacher/student edition.
- More time is given to constructing arguments than analyzing the arguments of others.
Indicator 2G.ii
The instructional materials reviewed for Grade 5 My Math partially meet the expectations for assisting teachers in engaging students in constructing viable arguments and analyzing the arguments of others concerning key grade-level mathematics detailed in the content standards. Overall, the materials do not consistently assist teachers in having students construct viable arguments or analyze other student arguments.
- Teacher materials do not consistently provide true opportunities for students to construct arguments or analyze the arguments of others.
- The content in pages 557-558, 577-578, and 651-652 provide opportunities for students to construct arguments.
- The content in pages 61-62, 123-124, and 135-136 provides an opportunity for students to construct an argument and analyze the arguments of others.
- The content in pages 55-56, 85-86, 561-562, and 567--568 do not provide opportunities for students to construct arguments or analyze the arguments of others as stated in the teacher edition.
Indicator 2G.iii
The Grade 5 My Math instructional materials explicitly attend to the specialized language of mathematics. Overall, the materials for both students and teachers have multiple ways for students to engage with the vocabulary of mathematics that are consistently present throughout the materials.
- The special language of mathematics is a strength of the series.
- Individual vocabulary cards are found at the beginning of each chapter in the student edition.
- Vocabulary checks are included in some homework assignments. For example, chapter 1, lesson 1, page 16.
- Vocabulary assessments can be created online.
- Virtual word walls are available online.
- "Match the Pairs" is an interactive vocabulary component.
- "Check my Progress" assesses vocabulary, for example page 35.
- Each chapter begins with a foldable supporting vocabulary development.
- At the beginning some chapters contain "My Math Words." For example, chapter 7, page 474.
- The teacher, student, and online editions contain extensive glossaries in English and Spanish.
- Lessons contain mathematical terminology.
Overview of Gateway 3
Usability
Criterion 3.1: Use & Design
The materials meet the criterion for use and design. The underlying design of the materials makes a distinction between problems (labeled as Math in My World and Guided Practice) and exercises (labeled as Independent Practice and Practice). The difference between the problems/exercises is that in solving problems students learn new mathematics, whereas in working exercises students apply what they have already learned in order to build mastery. Each problem or exercise has a purpose. The design of assignments is not haphazard; exercises are given in intentional sequences. Furthermore, the design is not distracting or chaotic, but supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject. Additionally, the manipulatives and/or models accurately and consistently represent the mathematical objectives. Overall, the materials reviewed for Grade 5 meet the expectations for this criterion.
Indicator 3A
The underlying design of the materials does distinguish between problems and exercises to meet the expectations for this indicator.
- The design of the materials distinguishes between problems and exercises. In My Math, exercises are labeled as Independent Practice and Practice while problems are labeled Math in My World and Guided Practice. For example, page 159 in the SE is an Independent Practice, and pages 157–158 in the Student Edition are Math in My World and Guided Practice.
- All lessons contain practice exercises, which allow students to apply what they have learned. These exercises are broken down into approaching level, on level, and beyond level.
- In the Write About It section, exercises provide opportunity for students to reflect on a topic and build understanding needed to answer the chapter Essential Question.
- Math in My World provides new mathematics. The independent practice gives a chance for the child to practice the new learning with guidance from a teacher. The homework provides yet another opportunity to use the new skill on your own. Examples are on pages 175–176 and 391–392 in the Teacher’s Edition.
Indicator 3B
The design of assignments is not haphazard; exercises do seem to be given in intentional sequences meeting the expectations for this indicator.
- The problems in My Math are purposefully designed and organized. Connections are made and directly stated in the Teacher’s Edition. This is directly stated in the “What’s the Math in this Chapter?” section at the beginning of each chapter and also in the “Making Connections” section at the beginning of each chapter.
- Teachers are also directed in the lessons to point out the connections.
- The sequence in lessons usually goes from a more concrete example using manipulatives or models to more abstract types of problems.
- Due to the intentional layout of the materials, the “What’s the Math in This Chapter” section provides the reason for lessons being presented as they are. It shows the link between prior knowledge and new information to be learned.
Indicator 3C
There is a variety in what students are asked to produce meeting the expectations for this indicator.
- Students are asked to produce many types of answers throughout the work they do.
- Math in My World usually has the student work through the mathematics by providing a model first and then moves students to producing answers using other strategies besides always using a model.
- Independent practice and Homework provide opportunities for students to work on fluency in producing answers. It also has a section for problem solving that gives the student the chance to model what they have learned and explain their thinking. For examples, see pages 45–46 and 257–258.
- Some opportunities are given in the problem solving sections for students to create arguments about someone else’s work. Examples are on pages 273–274.
- Students are required to justify their answers on some of the Independent Practice and Homework. Examples include pages 327–328.
- Students are asked to produce a variety of work throughout the materials. For example, Independent Practice, as found on pages 363–364 in the Student Edition.
- Math in My World, on page 379 in the Student Edition, helps students see math in a real world context, and students are producing solutions in a grade-appropriate manner.
Indicator 3D
The manipulatives are almost always faithful representations of the mathematical objectives they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written models meeting the expectations for this indicator.
- Manipulatives are appropriately used and explained in both the student book (for example, page 707, “draw it”) and on homework assignments (for example, page 711–712 SE).
- The digital website has tools containing virtual manipulatives.
- Page 27, in the Student Edition, is an example of using base ten blocks to represent fractions.
- Another example is page 614, in the Student Edition, in Guided Practice. The number line is used to compare and order fractions.
- The Teacher Edition contains Model the Math sections which provide teachers the materials needed to model the math. Examples are on pages 551B, 651B, and 771B.
- For Math in My World, there is a visual model that is an appropriate representation.
Indicator 3E
The visual design is not distracting or chaotic, but supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject.
- The visual design of the print text has a consistent layout for each lesson and is not visually distracting but contains pictures and models that support student learning and engage students.
- The pictures provided are meant to support and engage student learning. For example, on page 668 in the SE, Problem Solving Investigation, the pictures of the tree house, swing set and birdhouse are designed so that the students can visualize the scenarios.
- The online text is identical to the print version.
- The student editions are free from clutter and aesthetically pleasing.
- There are minimal distractions on student and teacher pages.
Criterion 3.2: Teacher Planning
The materials reviewed partially meet the criterion for teacher planning and learning. The materials partially support teachers in planning and providing effective learning experiences by providing quality questions to help guide students’ mathematical development. Materials contain a teacher edition with ample and useful annotations and suggestions on how to present the content in the student edition and in the ancillary materials. The materials rarely contain full adult level explanations to help teachers improve their own knowledge. The materials only provide the role of grade-level mathematics within the grade level before and the grade-level after, but not the entire K-5 spectrum. Overall, the material reviewed for Grade 5 partially meets the expectations for this criterion.
Indicator 3F
The materials partially support teachers in planning and providing effective learning experiences by providing quality questions to help guide students’ mathematical development.
Created teacher lesson presentations that follow the text lesson are available online.
Lessons contain a Problem of the Day, which reviews learning from other units.
The teacher edition has alert boxes to notify teachers of common mistakes students make.
Throughout the lessons there are scripted parts and questions for the teacher to ask.
Some quality questions are provided to help guide the students’ mathematical development. Some examples of quality questions can be found on pages 27–28, 443B, 569–570, and 687–688 in the Teacher’s Edition.
Some of the questions provided for the teacher are just reciting facts and do not guide the students to further understand the mathematical concepts. Examples of these types of questions can be found on pages 119–120, 411–412, 437–438, and 519–520 in the Teacher’s Edition. • Quality questions are also included in the independent practice and Homework pages. • Some of the suggestions to guide students’ mathematical development only get the teacher partially to the target. For example, page 739B in the Student Edition, Investigate the Math, has teachers ask students to describe the differences between multiplying fractions and adding/subtracting fractions. Then during the model and extend portion, teachers are not given clear directions for an investigative activity or how to help their students construct viable arguments.
Indicator 3G
Materials meet the expectations for containing a teacher edition that has ample and useful annotations and suggestions on how to present the content in the student edition and in the ancillary materials. Where applicable, materials include teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning.
- The teacher edition contains ample annotations and suggestions. Common Errors are noted (for example, pages 57–58, 337–338, 413–414, and 727–728 in the Student Edition) and ways to incorporate mathematical practices are also noted (for example, pages 727–728 in the Student Edition).
- Each lesson has an online presentation to mirror instruction in the text to support and enhance student learning.
- In the Teacher’s Edition, there are many scripted parts of the lesson with expected or anticipated student responses to help guide the teacher.
- Each lesson contains a section called Diagnose Student Errors to help the teachers understand where students may have misunderstandings. For example, see pages 743–744 and 875–876 in the Student Edition.
Indicator 3H
The materials partially meet the expectations for containing a teacher edition (in print or clearly distinguished and accessible as such in digital materials) that contains full, adult-level explanations and examples of the more advanced mathematical concepts in the lessons so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject, as necessary.
- The print materials contain a section before each chapter called “What’s the Math in this Chapter?” For an example, see Chapter 8, pages 541E–541F in the Student Edition. This section has a brief overview of the mathematics and what students are expected to understand and to do. This section does not go into the depth needed for teachers to expand their content knowledge.
- The online professional development on the website contains videos explaining mathematical practice in action and content videos. In the online piece, there is a section called PD. Under PD, there is a section called content videos. The videos do help teachers understand the mathematics a little better and also give the teacher a little better understanding of how to present the information to the students.
- There are a few examples of more advanced mathematical concepts that are presented in the beyond level work. Even with these pieces, there is not an explanation of the mathematics to help further the instructors’ knowledge.
Indicator 3I
The materials do contain a teacher edition (in print or clearly distinguished and accessible as such in digital materials) that partially explains the role of the specific grade-level mathematics in the context of the overall mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 12.
- The teacher’s edition contains a section "What's the Math in this Chapter" that explains how grade level math is connected to the previous grade and the next grades (for example, pages 787G–787H and 699E–699F in the Student Edition).
- Since this is a K-5 series the expectation is not to connect to the entire K-12 sequence but to at least the K-5. While the materials do connect the mathematics to the prior knowledge and what students will do next with these skills, there is not a clear path outlined to explain the path from K-5.
Indicator 3J
The materials do provide a list of lessons in the teacher edition (in print or clearly distinguished/accessible as such in digital materials), cross-referencing the standards covered and providing pacing guide on the estimated instructional time for each lesson, chapter and unit.
- Each unit begins with a sequence of learning. Lessons are listed with CCSSM, MPs, and objectives as well as a suggested pacing (for example, Chapter 11, pages 787A–787F).
- There is a pacing guide on page vi in the Teacher’s Edition that explains how many days each chapter is expected to take.
- The teacher edition has a chart on page T17–T24 which aligns each lesson to the CCSSM and to the MPs.
- At the beginning of each chapter there is a more in-depth overview of the lessons and the standards covered in the chapter.
- Additionally, each chapter begins with pages laying out the chapter, which includes the length of instructional time for the lessons and chapter. For example, see page 1A–1D in the Student Edition.
Indicator 3K
The materials contain some strategies for informing parents or caregivers about the mathematics program and some suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement.
- Students can share "My Common Core State Standards" for each unit with their parents which states the CCSSM and MPs for the unit (for example, Student Edition page 788 and chapter 2, page 72 SE). This could be torn out and sent to parents; however, it is not in very friendly language.
- Teachers or students can print a parent letter, found online, for each unit explaining the standards being taught, suggested activities, and vocabulary.
- A Connect ED Parent Letter is available online. This online resource introduces ConnectED to parents.
- The online portion has a place for students and parents/caregivers to check progress and watch videos for homework help.
Indicator 3L
The materials contain limited explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies within the teaching materials.
- Lessons contain ideas for differentiation and ELL support.
- Detailed explanations of instructional approaches are not found.
Criterion 3.3: Assessment
The materials reviewed meet the expectations for the criterion of assessment for Grade 5. A strength is that the materials provide strategies for gathering information about students’ prior knowledge within and across grade levels. Materials provide strategies for teachers to identify and address common student errors and misconceptions. The materials offer formative and summative assessments. Although some rubrics are provided, suggestions for follow-up are not provided. A note of concern is student’s performing below grade-level may never be held accountable for grade-level standards, if the teachers follow the sequence provided for struggling students. Overall, the materials reviewed for the Grade 5 meet the expectations for the assessment criterion.
Indicator 3M
The materials meet the expectations for providing strategies for gathering information about students’ prior knowledge within and across grade levels.
- Each unit contains an "Am I Ready Quiz" which identifies whether students have necessary skills for success in the unit, and an online version is available. For example, see chapter 4, page 245 in the Student Edition. Differentiated instruction is then provided based on the answers given by the students.
- The Teacher Assessment book also contains a pretest for each unit to determine if students already know the standards being taught in the unit.
Indicator 3N
Materials meet the expectations for providing strategies for teachers to identify and address common student errors and misconceptions.
- Some lessons contain test practice problems which identify common errors and misconceptions (for example, page 812 Student Edition).
- Some lessons identify common errors that students make (for example, see page 842 Student Edition).
- There are Common Error sections for the teacher to help catch errors students are making and correct them. Examples of this are on pages 57–58, 117–118, and 343–344.
Indicator 3O
The materials meet the expectations for providing opportunities for ongoing review and practice, with feedback for students in learning both concepts and skills.
- Each lesson begins with a Common Core quick check that reviews the previous day's learning.
- Each lesson contains a Problem of the Day that reviews learning from previous units (for example, chapter 7, lesson 7, page 519A Student Edition). Some lessons provide ideas for Exit Slips (Student Edition page 862).
- Teachers can also create assessments/practice online through the Manage and Assign tab.
- Teachers can use the application cards and exit slips as formative assessments and ways to provide feedback for student learning (examples on pages 365–366 and 445–446).
- There are Check My Progress sections in order for the student and the teacher to have formative assessment and an opportunity for feedback from the teacher.
- Lessons provide practice pages, for example, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 489 in the Student Edition.
- Each lesson also has homework pages, chapter 7, lesson 2, page 491 in the Student Edition.
Indicator 3P
Indicator 3P.i
Within the teacher materials, the summative and formative assessments meet the expectations for clearly denoting which standards are being emphasized.
- Am I Ready beginning each chapter has student exercises broken down by standard (for example, page 789).
- Check my Progress in each chapter identifies concepts being assessed but not standards.
- The Chapter Review at the end of each unit identifies standards being taught and provides intervention support (Student Edition, pages 783–784).
- The summative assessments themselves do not clearly denote which standards are being assessed, but under the assess tab in the online portion there is a complete breakdown of all assessments and the standards they are assessing. It is called Chapter Assessment Question Correlation Grade 5.
Indicator 3P.ii
The assessments partially meet the expectations for including aligned rubrics and scoring guidelines that provide sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance but do not include suggestions for follow-up.
- The assessments suggested at the end of the chapter are scored by the number correct, but there are no suggestions for follow-up or rubrics for test forms 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A or 3B.
- Unless a teacher gives the Extended Response test for the chapter, there is not a rubric.The rubric, which grades the Extended Response test found in the online portion, only provides how to grade. There are not any suggestions for follow-up.
- Each chapter contains an Extended Response Test with a rubric for grading.
- All tests contain answer keys.
- Online Powering Up for PARCC and Think Smart for SBAC can be found with answer keys; materials do not give suggestions for follow-up instruction.
- Student's performing below grade-level may never be held accountable for grade-level standards, if teachers follow the sequence provided for struggling students. Students given the 1A and 1B assessments are not fully assessed on the standards to be mastered at grade level.
Indicator 3Q
The materials do not encourage students to monitor their own progress.
- Materials do not provide students a way to monitor their own progress.
Criterion 3.4: Differentiation
The materials reviewed for Grade 5 meet expectations for the criterion for differentiated instruction. Materials provide strategies to help teachers’ sequence or scaffold lessons so that the content is accessible to all learners. Each lesson has strategies for struggling, advanced, and ELL learners. A strong point is that the materials attempt to provide a balanced portrayal of various demographic and personal characteristics. The materials however, do not encourage teachers to draw upon home language and culture to facilitate learning. Overall, the materials meet the criterion for differentiated instruction.
Indicator 3R
Materials meet the expectations for providing strategies to help teachers sequence or scaffold lessons so that the content is accessible to all learners.
- Teachers are given Cognates to help ELL learners (for example, page 807A TE).
- Collaborative Conversation is suggested for MP7 (Student Edition, pages 807–808).
- All lessons sequentially practice the new learning, apply the learning, and extend the concepts.
- The lessons are sequenced to build from conceptual understanding, using concrete and pictorial representations for more abstract representations.
- Most lessons have an RTI Differentiated Instruction page at the end. These provide the additional instruction for students approaching level, on level, and beyond level. Assessments are also provided at these same levels.
- Each lesson provides ELL support and differentiated instruction support. For example, see Chapter 10, lesson 5, page 661A in the Student Edition.
- A concern does exist that struggling students may not reach the depth of the standards for the grade level.
Indicator 3S
The materials meet the expectations for providing teachers with strategies for meeting the needs of a range of learners.
Differentiated Instruction is provided for each lesson (for example, page 811A TE) and ELL Learner Support (for example, page 811A TE).
Each chapter has a project (Student Edition, pages 787–788), and additional projects are available online under Project-Based Learning.
Most lessons have an RTI Differentiated Instruction page at the end. These provide the additional instruction for students approaching level, on level, and beyond level. These pages describe different strategies for working on the content. For example, see page 491A.
Indicator 3T
The materials partially meet the expectations for embedding tasks with multiple entry-points that can be solved using a variety of solution strategies or representations.
- The Problem of the Day at the beginning of each lesson allows students multiple entry points to problems and gives them opportunities to justify their thinking.
- Math in My World usually presents one strategy using manipulatives or models.
- The lessons usually only present one strategy or representation.
- The independent practice and homework provide opportunity to use both the mathematical algorithm and a representation to solve the problems.
- The online presentation for each day does allow for the students to use many different strategies, but if the teacher is not using it (due to lack of technology or time) there is only one way presented.
Indicator 3U
The materials meet the expectations for suggesting support, accommodations, and modifications for English language learners and other special populations that will support their regular and active participation in learning mathematics (e.g., modifying vocabulary words within word problems).
- ELL Instructional Strategies are provided in lessons (page 807A TE).
- Each lesson contains ELL tiered Differentiation Support (page 811A TE).
- Spanish versions of the Parent Letter for each chapter are available online.
- A multilingual glossary is available online.
- At the end of most lessons, there is a section called RTI Differentiated Instruction. These provide the additional instruction for students approaching level, on level, and beyond level.
- Additionally, some materials can be printed in Spanish and Arabic.
Indicator 3V
Materials meet the expectations for providing opportunities for advanced students to investigate mathematics content at greater depth.
- Each lesson has a Beyond Level Extension. For example, see Chapter 11, lesson 2, page 811A.
- Enrich worksheets are available online. Project-based learning activities are available online.
- Online games are available.
- There is also a differentiated test (test forms 3A and 3B) for those students performing beyond level.
Indicator 3W
Materials meet the expectations for providing a balanced portrayal of various demographic and personal characteristics.
- Student artwork is featured on each volume cover, and information about the artists is provided. Pictures of students from various backgrounds are pictured in the text (page 813, 819).
- The names and situations in the story problems represent a variety of cultural groups and genders.
- The problems include real-world situations that apply to a variety of cultural and gender groups. For example, see pages 158, 170, 176, and 180 in the Student Edition.
Indicator 3X
The materials provide opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies.
Learning Station Activities are provided (page 787).
Projects are available and students can choose to work alone, with a partner, or in groups (pages 787–788).
Collaborative Conversations is suggested for mathematical practices (page 840).
The materials provide opportunities for children to be grouped based on their ability on the RTI grouping.
There are also opportunities throughout the lessons for think/pair/share and small group interactions.
Indicator 3Y
Materials do not encourage teachers to draw upon home language and culture to facilitate learning.
- ELL Instructional Strategies for Spanish language learners are provided (page 839A) but not for other languages.
- Multilingual Glossary online is available in 13 languages.
- Each lesson provides ELL support, and some lessons encourage teachers to draw upon home language or culture to facilitate learning. For example, see Chapter 11, lesson 2, page 807A.
Criterion 3.5: Technology
The Grade 5 materials generally support the effective use of technology to enhance student learning. The digital materials are accessible on multiple devices and multiple browsers. The materials include limited technology for teachers to collaborate but do not provide students a place to collaborate with each other. Some of the items are easily customized for local use, however the lessons are set and cannot be modified. The technology does not use Computer Adaptive Technology items.
Indicator 3AA
Digital materials are web-based and compatible with multiple internet browsers and are platform neutral.
- Online teacher and student text edition can be accessed through multiple bowsers, including Chrome, Safari, Explorer, and Firefox.
- The website can be accessed on computers or tablets.
- Apps are available from the education website.
Indicator 3AB
Materials include opportunities to assess student mathematical understandings and knowledge of procedural skills using technology.
- All assessments are available online and can be assigned to students.
- Additionally, there are assessment tips for SBAC and PARCC.
Indicator 3AC
Digital materials include some opportunities for teachers to personalize learning for all students, using adaptive or other technological innovations.
- The online website can be used with adaptive technology and apps are available. However, the assessments are not adaptive.
- The teacher cannot personalize what exists beyond creating assessments.
- Student games are available online.
- Teachers can create assignments from question banks online and assign them to students.
- Planet Turtle and SRA Number Worlds are available for separate purchase.
- Most activities are set and cannot be changed.
- The materials do not have a range of lessons to draw from.
Indicator 3AD
Materials include limited technology for teachers to collaborate together, but do not include or reference technology for students to collaborate with each other.
- The Professional Development online portion does provide videos, webinars, digital classroom, lessons and projects, and tips for administration.
- An online teacher blog is available through the professional development website.
- On-demand webinars are available online.
- No opportunities exist for students to collaborate with one another through technology in My Math.
Indicator 3Z
Materials integrate technology in ways that engage students in the MPs.
- While examining Math in My World, students must reason abstractly (pages 713–714), and visuals are available in the online teacher presentation.
- Students have access to online virtual manipulatives and games.
- The materials promote the use of technology starting each day with a lesson presentation found in the online portion.
- Chapters each start with a video also found in the online portion.
- There is a fluency game available in the online portion as well.
- Both the teacher edition and the student edition do a good job of letting teachers and students know when online materials are available.