Instructional Materials and Professional Development: Strengthening Curriculum in Massachusetts

Expanding access to high-quality, standards-aligned curricular materials can significantly improve student outcomes, especially when teachers have the professional learning opportunities they need to make the most of those materials. The Center for Instructional Support at DESE is committed to ensuring that all students in Massachusetts enjoy the many benefits of a strong curriculum.

Curricular materials are resources teachers use to facilitate sequences of learning experiences (e.g., lesson and unit plans, texts); also called adopted or written curriculum.
A curriculum is a sequence of student learning experiences teachers facilitate using curricular materials as a foundation (not a script!); also called enacted or taught curriculum.

Quick Reference Guides

Evaluating & Selecting High-Quality Instructional Materials for ELA, Math, and Science Network

Is your district considering high-quality instructional materials as part of its long-term continuous learning? Did you know that instructional materials can be a lever for racial equity? Join DESE's 2021-22 Evaluating & Selecting High-Quality Instructional Materials for ELA, Math, and Science Network.

The Evaluating & Selecting Network combines differentiated sessions with personalized support to engage district teams in a guided and individualized rigorous curriculum adoption process. District teams will work directly with Department staff and Department-developed tools and resources to complete one or both of the first two phases of the IMplement MA process (Learn & Prepare, Evaluate & Select) for ELA, Math, and/or Science in any K–12 grade span.

To apply visit Evaluating and Selecting High-Quality Instructional Materials for ELA, Math, and Science Network 21-22. Registration will close by end of day, September 7, 2021.

Questions? Please contact the content-specific person(s):

Professional Development Resources

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.

Last Updated: October 6, 2021