Why Choose High‑Quality Instructional Materials?

Why Choose High-Quality Instructional Materials?

What Are High-Quality Instructional Materials?

There’s no doubt that teachers are the cornerstone of impactful education and play a huge role in shaping student success. Nothing can replace their expertise, which is why they deserve the highest-quality resources available. Coupled with skilled teaching, research shows that high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) also enhance learning outcomes. The concept of HQIM might be new to some, but as their value is increasingly recognized, districts and states are investing more time and effort into prioritizing resources that meet HQIM criteria and support teachers in their instruction.

Two students interacting with each other while engaged in a Twig Science lesson on a laptop

But What Does It Mean for Resources to Be HQIM?

What do HQIM look like? Think of them as materials that align closely with educational standards and are user friendly for both teachers and students (EdReports, 2020). They also typically feature evidence-based teaching methods, uphold a commitment to equity and inclusion, and provide comprehensive teacher support, including initial training and ongoing professional development.

These key characteristics ensure that HQIM are more than just resources — they assist teachers in delivering the highest-quality education possible.

How Can You Identify HQIM Curricula?

Figuring out which resources or curricula are HQIM might seem complex at first, which is why we identified the six essential pillars of high-quality instructional materials.

Standards alignment

Meticulously crafted to align with state and national standards.

Best-practice pedagogy

Research-backed teaching methods to promote student engagement and understanding.

Equity and inclusion

Diverse perspectives and resources to meet the needs of all learners.

Teacher and student experience

Intuitive and easy-to-implement curricula, facilitating enriching learning experiences.

Measuring student learning

Comprehensive tools to track growth and personalize instruction to individual needs.

Professional learning

Ongoing support and training opportunities to help teachers refine their skills and practices.

HQIM: The Ultimate Helping Hand for Educators

Teachers bear the critical responsibility of shaping not only what students learn but also how they learn. With about 90% of educators blending digital resources into their lessons, they spend considerable time — up to seven hours weekly — searching for and creating materials. This runs the risk of teacher burnout, less time to focus on teaching, and variability in the quality of instructional materials.

Fortunately, HQIM is proving to be a game-changer. Numerous studies confirm a strong link between the use of HQIM and positive student outcomes — for example, how the choice of math, ELA, and science textbooks influence test scores.

It’s evident: HQIM are the ultimate helping hand, equipping teachers with everything they need to create positive learning environments and improve student outcomes.

Kick-Start a Love for Learning with the Highest-Quality Materials in Core

Explore Imagine Classroom — our innovative portfolio of core curricula designed to empower both students and educators. With top-tier educational tools and resources, Imagine Classroom is your partner in reaching next-level learning achievements.

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