I bet you are dying to know what curriculum caused the recent drop in test scores. But before we go on a witch hunt after the curriculum, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Are low test scores really a bad thing? Do we want students who are just test takers, or do we want to nurture critical thinkers? How can we accomplish both? Revolutionizing teaching and learning is about more than just buying a new and shiny curriculum; it’s about how that curriculum is rolled out and the support that comes with it.

The recent headlines about plummeting math scores in NYC schools using the new Illustrative Math curriculum have sparked concern and debate. By the way, I actually think Illustrative Math is fantastic! While it’s easy to point fingers at the curriculum itself, the reality is far more complex. Adopting a new curriculum is a significant undertaking, and the success of such an initiative hinges not just on the curriculum chosen but on how it’s implemented and supported.

This brings back memories of my own experience in the classroom. I remember a time when my students did exceptionally well on their standardized tests. On the surface, it looked like a great success. But the truth is, those high scores were the result of three weeks of drilling Curriculum Associates packets. My students memorized the material, regurgitated it on the test, and we saw a significant bump in our scores. But was that really good teaching? Did those high scores reflect genuine understanding or critical thinking? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

After the test, I was finally given the liberty to engage my students in the inquiry-based, hands-on learning that truly sparks curiosity and understanding. But those three weeks of rote memorization were a stark reminder of how focusing solely on test scores can detract from meaningful learning.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

For district leaders, adopting a new curriculum presents both challenges and opportunities. To ensure that your efforts lead to meaningful, long-term success, here are three crucial steps to take as you roll out new instructional materials.

Step 1: Leverage Instructional Coaches to Support Teachers

One of the most critical factors in the successful adoption of any curriculum is the support provided to teachers. A curriculum alone cannot revolutionize classroom practice; teachers need guidance, mentorship, and ongoing professional development to adapt to new methods and approaches. Instructional coaches play a vital role in this process. By working closely with teachers, they can help translate the curriculum into effective classroom practices, provide real-time feedback, and address challenges as they arise.

Rather than viewing instructional coaching as an optional add-on, consider it a foundational element of your curriculum rollout strategy. By investing in instructional coaches, you equip your teachers with the tools and confidence they need to succeed, ultimately benefiting your students.

Step 2: Conduct Deep Equity Audits to Ensure Access for All Students

As you implement a new curriculum, it’s essential to ensure that all students have equitable access to high-quality STEM education. This requires ongoing equity audits that go beyond surface-level assessments. Dive deep into your district’s data, examining tracking systems, enrollment patterns, and the accessibility of special education and emergent multilingual learner programs.

Revisiting these areas regularly allows you to identify and address disparities, ensuring that every student—regardless of background or ability—has the opportunity to thrive. Equity audits are not just about compliance; they’re about creating a truly inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Step 3: Work with Leadership to Ensure Initiatives Are Sustainable

I call it TMI: Too Many Initiatives. One of the biggest pitfalls in educational reform is the tendency for initiatives to be one-off efforts that fade over time. To avoid this, district leaders must work collaboratively with district, complex, and school leadership to embed new initiatives into the fabric of their schools. This means aligning your new curriculum with broader district goals, ensuring that it complements and enhances existing programs, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. The question we want to ask is how can the initiatives serve each other? How can our math adoption support science? How can our science curriculum strengthen literacy?

By taking a systemic approach, you can create a lasting impact that extends beyond the initial rollout. This requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to ongoing professional learning.

Connecting the Dots: STEM4Real’s Approach

The steps outlined above align closely with the Connect, Create, Cultivate framework we use at STEM4Real. We believe in connecting with students and their families to understand their needs, creating content that resonates with their cultural backgrounds, and cultivating an environment of equity and belonging within STEM education. These principles are not just theoretical—they are actionable steps that can transform your district’s approach to curriculum adoption.

For those ready to take the next step in revolutionizing their curriculum rollout, our playbook offers a comprehensive guide. It’s not just about adopting a new curriculum; it’s about creating a sustainable, equitable, and impactful learning environment for all students. You can get it right here!

By focusing on these critical components, district leaders can ensure that their efforts to adopt new curricula lead to meaningful, long-term success. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards—empowered teachers, engaged students, and a more equitable education system—are well worth it.