enVision Math FAQs

Publishers routinely cycle through programs as education requirements and technologies change. The last part of the cycle is when a publisher sunsets a program, which means the program will be out of print. In the case of Saxon, the curriculum will go out of print in June 2024. Although there are still two years until Saxon is no longer available, Legacy is taking advantage of funding available to our schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to introduce the new curriculum now.

enVision was selected after a rigorous curriculum assessment process that involved Legacy’s math subject matter experts and Legacy teachers and administrators.

Common Core Standards are a set of academic standards that define what students should know, understand, and be able to do regarding mathematical content knowledge by the end of a grade or course. In contrast, enVision is a type of mathematics curriculum that outlines how teachers will teach students the academic standards required by the state. enVision aligns with both Common Core and Arizona State Standards, and is a tool to teach students a variety of instructional strategies that are in the curriculum.

Saxon focuses on spiraling lessons and concepts. That means the concepts are not clustered together. If one lesson teaches about fractions, then the next lesson may be on multiplication. The students then end up trying to memorize the concept rather than having multiple exposure and deeper understanding of a concept. Working on concepts to mastery has shown to be an effective teaching method.

enVision focuses on deep conceptual math understanding aided by visual models, student-centered projects, three-act tasks, and personalized learning. enVision is set up in units where lessons will progress from introduction to more complex usage of a concept. For example, if the unit is on fractions, it may begin with what fractions are and move to adding fractions with the same denominator, then to adding fractions with different denominators and so forth. enVision also has vertical alignment from kindergarten through Algebra 2, which helps students, schools, and districts address all mathematical standards in the most effective way.

Legacy offers opportunities for accelerated students to study math in one grade level above. For example, if your student is in third grade and is accelerated in their math skills, they may be in a class where they will be learning fourth grade math. They would be considered an above-grade-level math student. An on grade level student would be a third grade student who is in a math class where they are learning third grade math. Junior high students can be placed in math classes according to their math capabilities.

If your child is currently in an accelerated math class for the current school year, and they are performing well in class and on district and state assessments, they may continue at above-grade-level math. If your student has been struggling in the current school year, it may be suggested that your student move to on-grade-level math to support their math education success. Reach out to your child’s current math teacher to see where your child may be.

With the change from Saxon to enVision, you will see that requirements for students may be more challenging for some. If your child isn’t successful in the accelerated math class, you will have an opportunity to move them to the on grade level class. We do want your child to be the most successful, so we will want you and your child’s teacher to discuss this and make the change by the end of the first quarter.

Yes. If a teacher notices a student is advanced, the student can be tested to determine if a grade level bump is appropriate. This assessment will need to be completed before the first four weeks of the school year in order for the student to not miss too much of the above-grade-level material.

Kindergarten will be teaching kindergarten math. As with all of our other grade levels, if parents or teachers feel like a student already has the foundational math skills needed, they can be assessed to see if they can start on first grade math per the LTS Math Placement Policy.

All curriculum used in schools should have some positive research behind it. edreports.org is a national organization that rates K–12 academic curriculum, including enVision. edreports highly rates all components of enVision. You can learn more here.

The new program may present different vocabulary, has new tools for helping students deepen their understanding of our number system, and is in a different format from our previous program.

There may be an adjustment period for students in the beginning. Material is presented to students in a way that is developmental: first at a conceptual level, then moving into a visual model, and finally presenting the abstract after the foundational understanding has been built. Teachers will expect students to do more than just calculate: understanding numbers and being able to reason through problems without giving up is an important part of the program.

With the coronavirus pandemic, we recognize that students may have some learning gaps, and many parents are concerned. Legacy is aware that there will be a transition from one curriculum to another. We have identified those areas where teachers may need to spend more time, and we will be working closely with teachers to ensure those areas are addressed.

All classrooms will also receive tools for identifying and reteaching/supplementing skills and concepts where students need additional support. We will still be offering intervention time, tutoring, and other opportunities to support students with their math skills.