Beyond Curriculum Adoption: What District Leaders Are Saying about Using Illustrative Mathematics

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Beyond Curriculum Adoption: What District Leaders Are Saying about Using Illustrative Mathematics
Language: English
Authors: Maggie Hannan, Sarah Rainier, Rebecca Perry, WestEd
Source: WestEd. 2026.
Availability: WestEd. 730 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107-1242. Tel: 877-493-7833; Tel: 415-565-3000; Fax: 415-565-3012; Web site: http://www.wested.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Gates Foundation
Intended Audience: Administrators
Document Type: Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Elementary Education
Grade 6
Intermediate Grades
Grade 7
Grade 8
Descriptors: Mathematics Curriculum, Mathematics Instruction, School Districts, Curriculum Implementation, Administrator Attitudes, Instructional Materials, Educational Quality, Middle Schools, Middle School Mathematics, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Geographic Terms: Massachusetts
Abstract: High-quality instructional materials like Illustrative Mathematics hold real promise for improving student learning, yet putting them to work effectively remains one of the hardest challenges districts face. Meaningful adoption involves far more than selecting a set of materials. It is a long-term, systemwide process that engages instructional actors across every level of a district, from central office leaders to classroom teachers. This report draws on interviews with administrators across seven Massachusetts districts to examine how they implemented Illustrative Mathematics in grades 6 through 8. The findings underscore the importance of a shared instructional vision, clear and ongoing communication of expectations, and sustained coaching while highlighting a persistent challenge: Even where teachers use materials with fidelity, Multilingual Learners and students with disabilities may lack the scaffolds they need to access grade-level content. The report offers practical guidance for district leaders, technical assistance providers, and funders.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED681318
Database: ERIC
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