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 (CIS) at DESE is committed to ensuring that all students in Massachusetts enjoy the many benefits of a strong curriculum.
Find out how DESE is helping districts select High-Quality Instructional Materials.
Curriculum Matters Our main page for all resources related to HQIM.
IMplement MA Resource Guide DESE recommends the four-phase process described in the IMplement MA e-learning tool to prepare for, select, launch and implement new high-quality instructional materials. Each phase includes resources and templates to support the work.
CURATE (CUrriculum RAtings by TEachers) DESE convenes panels of Massachusetts teachers to review and rate evidence on the quality and alignment of specific curricular materials, then publish their findings on the CURATE page for educators across the Commonwealth to consult. For questions about CURATE, reach out to CURATE@mass.gov .
DLCS CURATE Reviews Published reviews.
CURATE DLCS Rubric This rubric is designed for use by CURATE panelists to evaluate core curricular materials.
Massachusetts DLCS Curriculum Guide This guide, written by STEM Learning Design, includes reviews of K–12 DLCS curricular materials and alignment of curricula to the Massachusetts DLCS Curriculum Framework.
Mathematics CURATE Reviews Published reviews.
CURATE Mathematics Rubric This rubric is designed for use by CURATE panelists to evaluate core curricular materials.
EdReports These reports offer detailed information on curriculum alignment to standards and other quality indicators.
STE CURATE Reviews Published reviews.
Quick Reference Guide: High-Quality Instructional Materials in Science This guide provides a description of how materials are designated as high-quality by DESE, tools and resources to use to investigate and select materials, and options for evaluating existing in-house curricula for quality.
CURATE STE Rubric This rubric is designed for use by CURATE panelists to evaluate core curricular materials.
NGSS Design Badge Science units that receive the design badge have gone through a rigorous third party panel review to ensure alignment with contemporary science standards.
Last Updated: January 29, 2024
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