Along with a Planner, a Letter from Marilyn Burns detailing the scaffolded content and activities begins each set of five lessons. Lessons present step-by-step instruction with embedded support for Connecting to Algebra, Supporting Instruction, Language Development, and Math Background.

Every fifth lesson is an opportunity to monitor student progress with a Show What You Know assessment. The CheckPoint page provides several suggestions and Additional Practice pages provide support for differentiating instruction.

The assessments measure students' growth over the course of the unit. Use the Measure Student Understanding page to determine how assessment items link to specific learning objectives.