Navigating the curriculum approval process at the state level isn’t just a box to check. It’s a high-stakes journey that can determine whether your instructional materials ever reach the classroom. While every state has its own method, the journey from academic standards to classroom adoption tends to follow a similar path.
1. Standards Are Set
States develop unique sets of standards for adoption, with many adapting modified versions of national standards
Breaking Point: Every state interprets standards differently, creating complexity for publishers and content developers.
ExACT® offers powerful reporting features, such as GAP, which is designed to identify gaps between content and standards requirements on a state-by-state basis
2. Instructional Materials Review
Curriculum alignments are evaluated within a specific timeframe, but their relevance evolves over time as new standards are introduced
Breaking Point: 30% of standards change year/year, requiring continual maintenance of alignment for compliance
ExACT® enhances all standards, including updates, with metadata, CASE identifiers, and detailed concepts to ensure precise alignment
3. Curriculum Approved
Approved materials are added to state adoption lists each year
Breaking Point: Every state has unique legislative requirements that can derail approvals. Understanding them is critical to long-term success
EdGate provides Third-Party review services, and our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are trained to understand the nuances of state requirements in order to facilitate the approval process
4. Purchase Decisions
Schools or Districts select curriculum for adoption in the upcoming year(s)
Breaking Point:Classroom adoption is not assured: Teachers have the final say as to what they will be included in their lesson plans
Aligning your content, supplemental materials, and assessments to standards and taxonomies in ExACT® boosts its appeal and adoption potential