A collaboration between EdReports and The Decision Lab.
Beyond Selection: Rethinking How Districts Adopt Curriculum reveals that while access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) is expanding, districts continue to face significant challenges in ensuring that curriculum adoption translates into classroom impact. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of more than 250 district leaders and educators, the joint report from EdReports and The Decision Lab uncovers persistent barriers in consensus-building, stakeholder engagement, and implementation—even as most leaders feel confident in choosing strong materials.
Challenges in Adoption and Use
Findings show that 72% of district leaders express confidence in selecting HQIM, yet only 59% have processes to evaluate effectiveness and just 60% pilot materials before adoption. Early gaps in the curriculum selection process often lead to downstream challenges, with nearly half of leaders citing stakeholder buy-in as their greatest hurdle. Despite this, few districts currently seek external support for engagement, underscoring the sensitive dynamics of navigating educator and community voices.
The report also highlights the role of state and federal policy shifts, such as evidence-based reading mandates, in shaping district decision-making around materials selection. At the same time, district leaders indicate clear demand for targeted support with data analysis, curriculum evaluation, and implementation logistics.
Actionable Insights to Strengthen District Processes
To address these challenges, the report offers actionable steps that go beyond selection itself. Recommendations emphasize laying strong foundations early, planning for implementation from the start, centering educator voice, and building broad stakeholder consensus. With stronger curriculum adoption processes in place, districts can move from ad hoc decisions to sustainable strategies that ensure every student benefits from excellent teaching and learning.
