Learning Objectives

• Identify tools to help successfully implement high-quality instructional materials in schools and classrooms. 

Support for Implementation of High-Quality Curriculum

The Ohio Department of Education recently teamed with Instruction Partners to develop a customized Ohio Curriculum Support Guide. This resource casts educators in the leading role in selecting, preparing for, and using high-quality instructional materials for the classroom. The Ohio Curriculum Support Guide leads teams of curriculum leaders, including teachers, through lessons learned from others in this process. The guide also offers insights and resources to ensure success and equity in Ohio schools. 

Framework to Translate Great Materials into Great Instruction

A leadership team is the key to the success in finding and implementing high-quality instructional materials and curricula in districts. The Instruction Partners Framework, pictured below, outlines the actions leadership teams must take to provide the instructional scaffolding educators need to accelerate student learning.

This framework is the foundation for the process that will help districts choose the best materials for their students, including teachers and other key stakeholders in the process. Be sure to check out a sample timeline to begin the planning process.  

Teachers as Stakeholders in the Curriculum Process

Consider these pitfalls teachers have traditionally experienced with curriculum development.

Many teachers feel left out of the curriculum planning and selection process and are often at a loss when it comes to implementation. Read this vignette illustrating how a teacher experienced the Curriculum Support Guide's process for selection and implementation of a new math curriculum. Answer the reflection questions as you read. Once you are done, complete these tasks:

• Consider how the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide addresses common pitfalls in the curriculum journey. What steps in the framework seem to be most important in avoiding these issues?
• Apply Steiner's basic competencies for curriculum literacy from the previous lesson to the experience of Ms. Cole. How does the framework help develop curriculum literacy in educators?

Additional Resources for Using the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide

Watch the recordings of webinars presented by Instructional Partners in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Education. 

Webinar 1: The Case for Selecting High-Quality Instructional Materials
What are the hallmark tenets of high-quality instructional materials and why should students use them? Participants will dig into the answers to these questions and be introduced to the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide.

Webinar 2: The Process of Intentional Adoption of High-Quality Instructional Materials
Phase I of the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide outlines the process for selecting high-quality instructional materials that can help support a successful implementation. Participants will learn about the importance of having a plan, an instructional vision and a team that reviews materials. This webinar identifies relevant resources from EdReports and the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide to use.

Webinar 3: The Work of Preparing to Launch High-Quality Instructional Materials
Phase II of the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide details the preparation needed before the high-quality instructional resources are used by educators. In this session, participants will learn about goals, roles and monitoring plans with a focus on two high impact areas of implementation: assessment and grading.

Webinar 4: The Plan for Determining Teacher and Leader Support Using High-Quality Instructional Materials
Phase II outlines the three pillars of teacher support and the importance of successful implementation. Participants in this session will determine which resources for planning, training and coaching will be helpful to their work.

Webinar 5: The Step Back to Gather Data and Adjust the Implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials
Phase III of the Ohio Curriculum Support Guide is the time to think about refining implementation by gathering data and improving plans. Participants in the last session will join a consultancy around selecting, implementing or sustaining high-quality instructional materials.