Do state lists of recommended curriculum options actually help districts, teachers, and kids? Depending on the day and the source, you can find a lot of differing opinions on this question – and too often, a fair amount of myth-mongering about some vetting processes for high-quality materials, and whether or not these materials “script” teachers. As always when it comes to education, the answer to whether state support can help is nuanced – but in my mind, it’s still yes.
A recent RAND report digs into the impact of state early literacy laws on classroom practices, and a smart piece by EdWeek explores the reasons why this impact is mixed. As with all areas of curriculum selection and adoption, wraparound support matters. It’s no surprise that states with the most comprehensive approach to their laws (and lists!) – starting with a focus on teacher candidates – are faring better.
Hats off to Instruction Partners for putting a stake in the ground to support strategic state leadership for curriculum quality. “The State of Instructional (In)coherence” advises that states identify a cohesive theory of action for instructional support and align all of their requirements, guidance, and resources accordingly. This type of approach has helped Louisiana and Arkansas move forward with a coordinated strategy that tackles common frustrations districts face and shows how states can help, rather than hinder, local work. No doubt these efforts are time-consuming – but when there are too many competing state directives, high-quality curriculum initiatives can be set up to fail, and contribute to the (in my opinion) false narrative that the problem lies in the vetting process or the format of materials.
On July 22, I’ll be joined by colleagues from EdReports and Rivet Education and leaders from Arkansas and Kentucky to dive into how states create and execute a strong vision for quality instruction – including lists of materials and professional learning providers – in a webinar facilitated by the Collaborative for Student Success. We need more straight, solutions-oriented talk about why this work matters and how it gets done. Register here and jump into the conversation!