Building a Shared Vision for High-Quality Instructional Materials to Prepare Students For Success

As we discussed in our prior blog, a critical step in building a culture of alignment is selecting standards-aligned, high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to support teaching and learning. When districts and campuses commit to HQIM, classrooms transform. As David Steiner explains, “the research is increasingly clear that quality curriculum matters to student achievement… [with] a larger cumulative impact on student achievement than many common school improvement interventions—and at a lower cost” (Steiner, 2018).

Here are four practical strategies superintendents, principals, and instructional coaches can use to build a lasting, shared vision for adopting and implementing HQIM.

1. Start with a Clear “Why” Grounded in the Instructional Core

Anchor your vision for using HQIM in what Richard Elmore called “the instructional core”—the essential interaction between teacher, student, and content that creates the basis of learning (Blanding, 2009).

When schools choose standards-aligned instructional materials and support teachers in using them effectively, student achievement rises. Articulate the commitment to using HQIM in everyday practices—walkthroughs, PLCs, and faculty meetings. Keep the focus on the student learning experience, emphasizing mastery of grade-level standards and measurable student growth.

Key takeaway: Learning is only as strong as the design of the learning experience. Shifts in teacher practice drive student achievement.

2. Relate Student Data to the Standards to Show the Need for HQIM

A shared vision is easier to adopt when the need is visible and urgent. The New Teacher Project’s The Opportunity Myth revealed that “students spent more than 500 hours per school year on assignments that weren’t appropriate for their grade… the equivalent of six months of wasted class time in each core subject” (The New Teacher Project, 2018).

By studying student achievement data and comparing current assignments to grade-level standards, leaders can highlight the urgency for HQIM. This creates buy-in and helps educators see the value of high-quality, aligned materials.

Try this this month:

• Collect 6–8 recent assignments from each grade level or course.

• Rate them for alignment and rigor.

• Share results with staff to spark conversation about what “good” looks like.

  
  

👉 Need support? Learning List’s new Alignment Tool allows you to instantly check the alignment and rigor of any lesson in seconds.

3. Build Collective Efficacy Through Co-Creation, Not Compliance

Implementation succeeds when educators believe, together, that their  work matters. John Hattie calls this collective teacher efficacy—“the collective belief of teachers in their ability to positively affect students” (Hattie, 2018). It’s one of the strongest influences on student learning.

Instead of mandating compliance, co-create the vision. Form educator advisory groups to review materials, pilot units, and set campus-wide “non-negotiables” for PLCs, instruction, and assessment. When teachers help shape the plan, they are more committed to carrying it out.

Try this this month:In PLCs, have teachers examine one upcoming unit from a current or prospective resource. Discuss:

• Is it aligned to standards?

• Does it anticipate misconceptions?

• Does it provide differentiation guidance?

👉 Learning List’s Editorial Reviews of approximately 4,000 K-12 instructional materials provide independent evaluations of the material’s instructional quality, including rigor, coherence, supports for all learners, and teacher resources.

4. Communicate Your Rationale for Selecting Materials with Confidence

Curriculum adoption is not just a purchase. It’s a long-term investment. Once a decision is made, communicate your rationale clearly. Explain how the program meets students’ needs and supports standards mastery. Engage your advisory group as ambassadors to help build support among teachers and even among the community. 

Try this this month:Publish a one-page summary titled:

• “Why We Are Recommending These Materials,” or

• “Why We Adopted These Materials.” 

Share it with your school board, faculty, and parents. Outline your review process and the reasons behind your selection decision.

👉 Learning List’s Selection Toolkit provides customizable templates—needs assessments, rubrics, and board-ready presentations—to help you lead a successful adoption and build support for the selected materials.

In the End…

Adopting a shared vision for HQIM is not about filling in lesson plan templates or posting objectives on the board. It’s about ensuring that every student has access to rigorous, standards-aligned learning experiences that prepare them to meet – and master- the expectations of their grade level. 

That requires daily habits such as:

• Selecting grade-level-appropriate, standards-aligned tasks.

• Planning instruction collaboratively with HQIM as the foundation.

• Measuring progress consistently against the standards.

When educators and leaders commit to this vision, they create classrooms where all  students have the opportunity to master the standards and succeed. 

👉 Ready to strengthen your curriculum adoption process? Visit www.learninglist.com to learn how we can partner with you.