Finding High-Quality Math Instructional Materials with EdReports

Choosing the right instructional materials is one of the most impactful decisions schools and districts can make to ensure students receive a high-quality education. But with so many options available, how can educators identify rigorous resources that are aligned to grade-level standards and effective for their students? That’s where EdReports comes in.

What is EdReports?

EdReports is a nonprofit organization that provides free, comprehensive reviews of instructional materials for K-12 education. Its mission is to ensure all students can access materials that meet high academic standards, foster engagement, and promote equity.

For mathematics, EdReports evaluates materials based on three key criteria:

1. Alignment to Standards: Are the materials aligned with college—and career-ready standards, such as the Common Core?

2. Rigor and Mathematical Practices: Do the materials strike a balance between procedural skills, conceptual understanding, and application?

3. Usability: Are the materials teacher-friendly and adaptable for diverse classroom needs?

By focusing on these areas, EdReports empowers educators to make informed decisions about instructional resources that truly support student learning.

The EdReports Process

EdReports uses a rigorous, transparent review process carried out by expert educators. Reviewers assess materials for alignment with grade-level standards and provide detailed feedback, including strengths and weaknesses. The results are then published on the EdReports website, making it easy for schools and districts to compare resources.

The reviews are clear and actionable, offering insights into how well materials:

• Address grade-level content standards.

• Promote coherence across lessons and grade levels.

• Support diverse learners, including English learners and students with disabilities.

Steps to Adopting High-Quality Instructional Materials

EdReports also guides how schools and districts can effectively adopt new instructional materials. Their Adoption Steps framework ensures a thoughtful, inclusive, and data-driven process. Here’s an overview:

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

• Assemble a diverse adoption team that includes teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders.

• Define the district’s goals and priorities, such as alignment to standards, equity, or support for differentiation.

Step 2: Investigate the Options

• Use EdReports reviews to identify materials that meet grade-level standards and instructional goals.

• Narrow down options based on the needs of your students and educators.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

• Pilot the materials in classrooms and gather feedback from teachers and students.

• Evaluate how well the materials meet the criteria established during the planning phase.

Step 4: Make a Decision

• Use a collaborative decision-making process to select the best-fit materials.

• Ensure alignment with district priorities and include a plan for professional learning.

Step 5: Implement and Support

• Provide robust training for teachers to help them use the materials effectively.

• Continuously gather feedback to refine and improve implementation.

Why High-Quality Materials Matter

Research shows that using high-quality instructional materials can significantly impact student achievement. Materials aligned to grade-level standards help ensure that all students have access to rigorous content, setting them up for long-term success.

EdReports simplifies finding these materials, giving educators the tools to make data-driven decisions. By following the Adoption Steps framework, schools and districts can confidently select resources that meet the unique needs of their students and teachers.

Start Your Journey with EdReports Today

Whether you’re starting a new adoption cycle or looking to evaluate your current resources, EdReports is your trusted partner in identifying high-quality instructional materials. Explore their reviews and adoption tools at EdReports.org to ensure your students receive the education they deserve.

Empower your classrooms. Choose the best for your students.