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Maryland board adopts state framework to rate and signal high‑quality instructional materials
Summary
The State Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a Maryland high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) selection framework that pairs EdReports reviews with Maryland teacher panels, establishes pilot ELA rubrics and pays reviewers with Blueprint funds. The move aims to standardize curriculum quality and accelerate implementation support for districts.
The State Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a statewide framework to identify and signal high‑quality instructional materials, a step state officials said will help districts select curriculum aligned to Maryland standards and support classroom implementation.
State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury (presented in the meeting as Doctor Wright) introduced the team leading the effort and framed the change as part of broader Blueprint implementation to improve teaching and learning statewide. Dr. Collins and Phil Lesser described the approach: use nationally recognized EdReports ratings as a baseline, then convene Maryland teacher review teams to vet materials for state standards, cultural and language affirmation, and usability in the classroom.
Board members focused discussion on implementation and teacher uptake. Dr. Collins said the department will not only rate materials but also provide adoption and implementation supports, noting evidence that adoption without implementation fidelity does not produce results. The plan calls for an ELA rubric pilot, parallel rubric development for math, science and social studies, reviewer recruitment and training, and public posting of ratings as reviews are completed. MSDE confirmed reviewers will be compensated with Blueprint funds; as the team explained, paid reviewers, calibration training, and pilot testing are intended to build reliability across reviewer teams.
Supporters said the mixed approach — combining EdReports alignment scores with Maryland teacher-led reviews — uses national standards while preserving local context. Several board members urged the department to prioritize ongoing professional development and to measure classroom use, saying adoption alone is insufficient. Dr. Collins acknowledged those concerns and emphasized plans to monitor implementation fidelity.
The board approved a motion to adopt the HQIM selection frameworks and related pilot steps by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously. MSDE will publish the framework and follow with rubric pilots, reviewer training and periodic updates to the board as reviews and implementation proceed.
