"We're looking for high-quality curricular materials aligned to Massachusetts standards. Do you have any advice?"
It's an important question, and one we hear frequently. The CURATE project is our response. We convene panels of Massachusetts teachers to review and rate evidence on the quality and alignment of specific comprehensive core curricular materials, then publish their findings here for educators across the Commonwealth to consult to support informed local decision-making about curricula.
CURATE panels review only core materials that have already been found by an independent evaluation process to be partially or fully aligned to college- and career-ready standards. Core materials are comprehensive print or digital materials that cover all the knowledge, skills, and practices outlined in the college- and career-ready standards for the content area. They are designed for use as the standalone primary instructional materials for core instruction through which all students access grade-level content standards during a year or semester of study, to support coherent sequence and progression of grade-appropriate knowledge, skills, and practices.
High-quality curricular materials exhibit a coherent sequence of lessons that target learning of grade-appropriate skills and knowledge through instructional strategies that are well supported by research and other characteristics such as engaging content and inclusive design. Some factors in quality are nonnegotiable, while others vary by context: for example, compatibility with a school's technology infrastructure or cultural relevance to its student population.
Aligned to the DESE Educational Vision, high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) provide a strong foundation for all students, particularly students from systematically underserved groups and communities, to have "equitable opportunities to excel at grade level (or beyond)" and support teachers to do what they do best: make learning relevant and interactive for students while also providing data-informed, targeted individualized supports.
CURATE reports are only one component of a robust and transparent process to investigate and select high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) for your localized context. Explore our IMplement MA website to learn more about DESE's inclusive four-phase process, resources, and opportunities to support strong selection of high-quality instructional materials that is grounded in a shared vision, informed by localized equity priorities, and supported by diverse stakeholders.
Explore our CURATE website through the links on the left, or dig into our fuller reports on each CURATE-reviewed product to support your investigation of available high-quality instructional materials.
Any product with an overall rating of Meets Expectations qualifies for a statewide master agreement designed to streamline the procurement process for schools and districts choosing to adopt it. The table below shows products on the master agreement as of our last web update; please note that other products may also be eligible and currently in the negotiation or approval process. Please contact Nechama Goldberg for more information about how to use this agreement.
The Professional Learning Partner Guide (PLPG) is an online, vetted list of organizations that provide effective professional development (PD) services aligned to high-quality instructional materials in ELA, Math, and Science. With nearly 70% of CURATE-rated materials serviced by PLPG-approved organizations, districts can use the PLPG as a valuable resource for selecting PD partners to support the launch and implementation of these curricula. For additional support, please reach out to educatordevelopment@mass.gov .
Does your district need support with the implementation of high-quality instructional materials? The Professional Learning Partner Guide (PLPG) is an online, vetted list of organizations that provide effective professional development (PD) services aligned to high-quality instructional materials in ELA, Math, and Science.
After selecting a curriculum, districts can use the PLPG to select PD partners who have curriculum-specific expertise to support MA educators as they launch and implement high-quality instructional materials. The PLPG currently features over twenty professional learning partners who provide curriculum-aligned PD to MA schools and districts, servicing nearly 70% of CURATE-rated and reviewed materials.
High-quality instructional materials have an increased positive impact on student learning when paired with curriculum-specific, ongoing professional learning. The PLPG is a valuable resource that supports the informed implementation of high-quality, curriculum-aligned PD. For additional information about DESE's partnership with Rivet Education and the PLPG, please reach out to educatordevelopment@mass.gov .
For more information about CURATE, please reach out to DESE-CURATE@mass.gov .
Last Updated: April 4, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.