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Center for Instructional Support

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)

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 DESE-CURATE@mass.gov .

MA OpenSciEd Instructional Materials
Provides more information on Massachusetts participation in the development of the OpenSciEd K–12 materials, professional learning opportunities, and resources to support implementation.

health and physical gear

Massachusetts CHPE Curriculum Guide
This guide includes reviews of PK–12 CHPE curricular materials and alignment of curricula to the Massachusetts CHPE Curriculum Framework.

digital gear

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.

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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.

science gear

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.

EdReports
These reports offer detailed information on curriculum alignment to standards and other quality indicators.

Last Updated: December 6, 2024

 
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