AROUND THE STATE

Posted on February 16, 2024 by Cardinal Editor


Ryan Wertz and Kathy Shelton
Education Program Specialists for World Languages and Cultures
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Assisting Educators in the Identification and Implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials

The Office of Learning and Instructional Strategies at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has recently focused its efforts on developing resources and professional learning opportunities.  The ultimate goal is to build the capacity of Ohio educators to identify and implement high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Research shows that providing teachers with HQIM and professional learning to implement those materials with fidelity is a highly effective strategy for increasing student learning results across disciplines.* HQIM are critical for instructional equity and ensure that each student acquires the knowledge and skills to be successful through a standards-aligned instructional foundation. 

When teachers use HQIM, they can focus their time and energy on addressing the individual needs of each student. HQIM act as a common language and platform for engaging all partners in students’ educational experiences because they incorporate student and educator supports.

For the past several months, education program specialists at the Department have worked diligently to develop rubrics to assist educators in identifying HQIM in various disciplines. The design phase of this work is largely complete, and now they are finalizing these rubrics in preparation for their expected release to stakeholders in June 2024. 

To better understand the process and initial support materials that the Department has developed for Ohio educators in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and EdReports, you are invited to visit the Ohio Materials Matter website and view the information and resources it provides.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is offering professional learning webinars to increase capacity among educational service centers, teachers, districts, and school leaders to collaborate in the selection and implementation of HQIM.  This will be an initial step to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful through a standards-aligned instructional foundation. Upcoming webinars will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and include:  

  • Feb. 15: Engaging Stakeholders Through HQIM
  • March 7: Studying and Winnowing Options for HQIM 
  • April 11: Supporting Diverse Learners Through HQIM
  • May 16: HQIM and Assessments 
  • June 13: Panel: Best Practices for Preparing for Effective Implementation

You are encouraged to check out these resources, especially if you will be adopting new textbooks or curricula in the near future. The Department is also always on the lookout for schools and districts that are willing to pilot draft materials and provide feedback. Please contact Ryan or Kathy if you plan to engage in adoption activities in the near future.

In closing, remember that you have many resources available to you when you visit the Department’s World Languages and Cultures webpages:

As always, please do not hesitate to contact either Ryan or Kathy if you have questions or need assistance. They are here to help and support your work!

*References: 

Hashim, Shirin A. “Measuring the Effectiveness of Zearn Math in Louisiana.” Harvard Graduate School of Education, 1 July 2021.
“Different Resources, Different Results.” The Opportunity Myth. https://opportunitymyth.tntp.org/different-resources-different-results

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