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-based professional learning and coaching for teachers and administrators is necessary to amplify the power of high-quality instructional materials, accelerate student learning, and advance educational equity for all.

IMplement MA Guide

With the available high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in the market, as signaled by CURATE and other similar educator-driven curricular reviews, how do Massachusetts local education agencies (LEAs) select HQIM that will best support their assets, needs, and equity priorities? How do educators skillfully implement HQIM to cultivate deeper learning for all students, particularly those who are 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 resources. Local education agencies considering adopting HQIM may explore the resource by beginning with Phase 1: Learn & Prepare. If already using HQIM, jump ahead to Phase 3: Launch or Phase 4: Implement & Monitor.

Evaluate and Select High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Network

You're invited! Participate in the Evaluate and Select HQIM Network!

The IMplement MA: Evaluate & Select HQIM Network combines differentiated virtual sessions with personalized support to engage district teams in IMplement MA, DESE's recommended inclusive and robust four-phase process to evaluate, select and implement high-quality instructional materials, in service to supporting grade-appropriate instruction that engages students supports students to thrive. Network participants are guided by Department staff and provided Department-developed tools and other resources to complete one or more phases of IMplement MA, with focus on the first three phases of the process: Learn & Prepare, Investigate & Select, and Launch.

Participants commit to attend all sessions of the Network, meet as a working team, and lead all Curriculum Council meetings at the school/district-level throughout the school year, to advance equity-centered HQIM evaluation, selection, and implementation that cultivates deeper learning for students, particularly those historically underserved groups and communities.

For questions about HQIM evaluation and selection for your content area, please email the appropriate DESE content staff.

Implement and Monitor High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Network

The IMplement MA: Implement and Monitor High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) 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 will consist of a 1-hr team leader kickoff and monthly 2-hour virtual sessions through which DESE staff will provide guidance on the consistent and coherent systems, structures and practices that sustain long-term, skillful implementation that supports the growth and achievement of all learners. Opportunities for participants to engage in cross-district collaboration, learning, and problem solving on improvement efforts will also be provided. Informed by an HQIM implementation self-assessment, participating LEAs will commit to prioritize and advance during the school year one or more foundational systems and structures not yet in place so that instructional supports build/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 will have the option to join a 1-hr post session content-specific community of practice/consultancy facilitated by DESE math and science content support staff.

For questions, email Jeff Pera

Contact

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

Last Updated: August 13, 2025

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