Each unit is designed with a narrative arc to support students in making sense of new ideas, practicing those ideas, and showing what they know through both formative and summative assessments.
Structure of a Typical Unit
Readiness Check / Pre-Unit Check
The Readiness Check is designed to give teachers insight into what knowledge and skills students already have that may support them in meeting grade-level standards in a unit. This can be given all at once before the unit begins or spread throughout the unit.
Each Readiness Check includes a summary, which notes one or more lessons where more support could be added to help students engage with the grade-level content.
Sections / Sub-Units
Each unit is composed of 2–4 sections (also called sub-units). Each section is based on a key mathematical idea. In each section, students develop new ideas and practice those ideas in different settings.
Lessons within each section typically begin by developing conceptual understanding and then shift toward procedural fluency. Units often include one or more application lessons that do not introduce new content.
Practice Days
Practice Days provide an opportunity for students to apply knowledge and skills from one or more sections of a unit. They often incorporate student movement or collaboration and typically come before an assessment.
Quiz
Quizzes are designed for students to show what they know and can do based on what they’ve learned so far in the unit. Some problems mirror existing problems from previous lessons, while others ask students to apply their knowledge to new situations or contexts. Each quiz includes a summary that describes the standard each question assesses as well as the corresponding lessons.
Read more about assessments.
End-of-Unit Assessment
The End-of-Unit Assessment is designed for students to show what they know and can do based on key skills they’ve learned from the whole unit. As with quizzes, some problems mirror lesson problems from throughout the unit, while others ask students to apply their knowledge in new ways or to new contexts. Each End Assessment includes a summary and rubric.
Read more about assessments.
Unit Resources
Each unit contains a Unit Overview page at that includes resources to support different stakeholders. On each Unit Overview page, you will find the following:
For teachers . . .
Unit Facilitation Guide / Unit at a Glance
A guide to support teachers as they plan and implement a unit. It includes information about how the unit builds on prior learning and informs future learning, as well as big ideas, lessons by standard, and key math practice standards. There is a brief summary of the purpose of each lesson along with other information that may be helpful for planning.
Unit Overview Video (Desmos Math 6-A1 only)
A short video explaining the key ideas of each unit, including how the unit fits in students’ progression of learning. These are facilitated by a Desmos Classroom coach and a member of the curriculum team. Guided Notes are available for groups of teachers who want to use them as a form of professional development.
Cool-Down / Exit Ticket Activity
Many key ideas build over several lessons, so this activity can be a helpful way to understand what ideas are most key at the end of each lesson.
Some teachers complete the activity themselves before a unit begins, and others assign it to students at various points throughout a unit.
For students . . .
Student Goals and Glossary
A reference that includes student-friendly learning goals for each lesson as well as definitions of vocabulary words along with examples. Students can use this throughout the unit. A fully illustrated glossary for each course can be found on each Course Overview page.
For administrators . . .
Admin Guide
A guide to support instructional leaders in making sense of a unit. It contains the big ideas of the unit, connections to prior and future learning, and examples of what you might see and hear throughout a unit.
For families . . .
Family Resource
A guide to support families as they support their students. It contains explanations of key concepts so that students and families have common language, along with exercises for students and families to try together. All family resources are available in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are assessments available on paper?
Yes! All assessments are available in both paper and digital formats.
Where can I find information about how to consolidate or shorten units if needed?
Each Unit Facilitation Guide and Unit at a Glance contains suggestions for consolidation and omission, which provide guidance on which lessons may be possible to shorten or omit based on the needs of your class.
