Center for Instructional Support

IMplement MA

Curriculum Matters: IMplement MA, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and Curriculum-Based Professional Development (CBPD) is the Department's initiative to strengthen curriculum in Massachusetts by supporting the evaluation, selection, and skillful implementation of high-quality instructional materials, to promote educational equity and deeper learning for students, coherent with the DESE Educational Vision, Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and Standards of Effective Educator Practice.

IMplement MA logo with four steps of a process, 1. Learn & Prepare; 2. Investigate & Select; 3. Launch; 4. Implement & Monitor

Through guidance, resources, and learning opportunities, IMplement MA promotes our current understanding of high-quality curricular materials and effective implementation:

  • Access to standards-aligned, high-quality instructional materials, particularly for students from historically underserved groups and communities, is a lever for educational equity.
  • Strong selection of high-quality instructional materials is rooted in a shared vision, informed by local equity priorities, and supported by a diverse group of stakeholders.
  • The power within high-quality instructional materials is amplified by effective educators within a coherent system, informed by data, and dedicated to continuous improvement.
  • High-quality instructional materials implemented with "high-expectations and targeted support" enable all students to thrive.
  • Skillful implementation of high-quality instructional materials through evidence-based practices that are inclusive and culturally & linguistically sustaining promotes deeper learning.
  • Ongoing, curriculum-specific professional learning and coaching for teachers and administrators is necessary to support skillful use of high-quality instructional materials that results in positive outcomes for students.

IMplement MA Guide

With the available high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in the market, as signaled by CURATE, how do Massachusetts local education agencies (LEAs) select HQIM that will best serve and strongly support their student needs and priorities? How can educators leverage HQIM to cultivate deeper learning for all students, particularly those from historically underserved groups and communities?

The Department's IMplement MA Guide outlines a recommended four-phase, equity-centered process to evaluate, select, and implement skillfully high-quality instructional materials, and includes supportive guidance, tools, and other resources. Local education agencies considering adopting HQIM may explore this resource by beginning with Phase 1: Learn & Prepare. If already using HQIM, jump ahead to Phase 3: Launch or Phase 4: Implement & Monitor.

Note: Stay tuned for an updated IMplement MA Guide this SY26.

IMplement MA Networks

Guided support from DESE staff through the Curriculum Matters: IMplement MA process.

The Evaluate & Select HQIM Network combines differentiated virtual sessions with personalized support to engage district teams through DESE's recommended inclusive and robust process to evaluate and select high-quality instructional materials, to build a shared understanding and gain buy-in from a diverse group of stakeholders.

Network participants are guided by DESE staff and provided DESE-developed tools and other resources to complete the first two phases of IMplement MA: Learn & Prepare and Investigate & Select. Participants commit to attend all seven sessions of the Network, meet as a working leadership team, and advance their process with a Curriculum Selection Council at their schools and district throughout the school year, to support a strong selection rooted in their instructional vision and local student needs and priorities.

Registration for the SY26 Evaluate & Select HQIM network is now closed. For content-specific questions about HQIM evaluation and selection, email the appropriate DESE content support staff.

The Implement and Monitor High-Quality Instructional Materials Network is designed for district and school leaders who are ready to shift from curriculum selection/adoption to instructional transformation, through a focus on establishing or strengthening the coherent and consistent systems, structures, and practices that lead to equitable and sustainable experiences and outcomes for students and teachers.

The network consists of a 1-hr team leader kickoff and monthly 2-hour virtual sessions. DESE staff provide guidance on the systems, structures, and practices that sustain long-term, skillful implementation. The Network provides opportunities for participants to engage in cross-district learning, collaboration, and problem solving on improvement efforts with high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).

Informed by the IMplement MA Self-Assessment, participating LEAs commit to prioritize and advance during the school year one or more of the foundational systems, structures, or practices that are not yet in place so that instructional supports build or strengthen teacher capacity to provide consistent, grade-appropriate instruction with HQIM that enables all learners, particularly those from historically underserved groups and communities, to excel at grade level and beyond.

Optional: Participating LEAs implementing math or science HQIM have the option to join a 1-hr post session content-specific math or science community of practice.

Registration for the SY26 Evaluate & Select HQIM network is now closed. For questions, email Jeff Pera .

Instructional Planning Tools Collection

Explore the Instructional Planning Tools Collection to determine how to leverage the tools in your local context and drive instructional change through effective educator practices and high-quality instructional materials.

Contact

For questions about Curriculum Matters: IMplement MA, email Woodly Pierre-Louis .

Last Updated: September 30, 2025

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