Understanding the mathematical progressions built into InsightMath is essential for effective instruction. Because the mathematics in each unit is developed over the course of a cluster, we recommend that planning be done one cluster at a time. This planning routine will help you develop an overall understanding of the math of the unit, the way the mathematical progression unfolds within each cluster, and how each lesson within the cluster contributes to that progression. By analyzing these progressions before teaching, you'll be better equipped to facilitate rich mathematical discussions and support all learners in becoming confident math thinkers. 

Analyzing Mathematical Progressions

Why This Matters: InsightMath is built around carefully sequenced learning progressions that develop conceptual understanding before procedural fluency. Understanding these progressions helps you make instructional decisions that honor both the curriculum design and your students' needs. 

Step 1: Gather Your Resources

• Open the Digital Planning Guide and navigate to your upcoming unit and cluster
• Have the Mathematical Progression Analysis Template ready (see below)
• Keep your Teaching Guide handy so you can view material at multiple levels at once (optional) 

Step 2: Examine the Unit and Cluster Framework

• Identify the Big Idea for the unit and Essential Understanding for the cluster (high-level learning goals)
• Review the Cluster Outcomes (the specific learning goals)
• Read the Schema Building sections at the unit and cluster level to understand how concepts connect

Step 3: Analyze the Lesson Sequence

• Look at lesson titles and objectives across the cluster
• Note how concepts build across lessons to achieve the Cluster Outcomes
• Identify key visual models and how they evolve throughout the cluster

Step 4: Consider Your Students

• What prior knowledge do your students need for this cluster?
• What knowledge do your students already bring with them into this cluster? Where might they struggle?
• What differentiation might be needed?

TIP: Use the diagnostic assessment, formative assessment opportunities, and Formative Assessment Recording Log to help you gather data related to these questions. 

Step 5: Complete the Analysis Template

Use the template below to document your analysis and guide your planning. Remember that this analysis is meant to help you see the big picture before diving into individual lesson plans. With this foundation, your lesson preparation will be more purposeful and aligned with the program's instructional design.

Step 6: Preview Each Lesson

• Navigate to the lesson itself in the Digital Planning Guide
• Key information about the lesson is visible without expanding any sections. Read this content.
• Preview the lesson slides by expanding the Preview Lesson Slides section
• Review the differentiation section, making note of supports and extensions you think your students might need
• Identify areas of confusion, expanding those sections to dig deeper
• Reflect on how each lesson contributes to the overall journey within the cluster, adding notes to your template about implementation

Putting Your Analysis into Action

TIP: Before teaching the cluster, use the At a Glance page from the Teaching Guide to gather the materials you need for the lessons in each cluster. (This is always located on the second page of each cluster.) The thumbnail images make it easy to identify any printed pages you need to photocopy before each lesson begins. 

Each day, before teaching a lesson, take 10-15 minutes to:

1. Refresh your memory: Glance through the lessons and your analysis
2. Identify checkpoints: Note key formative assessment opportunities
3. Plan for differentiation: Review supports for different learners
4. Consider connections: How does this cluster connect to previous and future learning?

Most importantly, enjoy listening to and learning from your students as you facilitate deep mathematical discussions! 

Mathematical Progression Analysis Template

Cluster Information

• Grade Level:
• Unit:
• Cluster:
• Essential Understanding:

Mathematical Progression

Key Planning Questions:

• What is the mathematical journey across this cluster? How does it support the big idea of the unit?
• What prior knowledge do students need? (Use the Diagnostic Assessment to help you.)
• What prior knowledge do students have? (Take advantage of Formative Assessment Opportunities.)
• Where might students struggle?
• What differentiation supports should you have ready?
• Do you need to build your understanding of any concepts before teaching this cluster?