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Access to Opportunity: Using Data to Transform Instructional Decision-Making

Access to reliable data on instructional materials is crucial for transforming education and closing opportunity gaps. In this blog, CEMD Executive Director Lora Kaiser explores how increased transparency in instructional material selection can drive informed decision-making, improve student outcomes, and promote equity sector-wide.

The Center for Education Market Dynamics • January 30, 2025

Guest Author: Lora Kaiser, Executive Director, CEMD

Access to reliable data about instructional materials is essential to transforming the K-12 education landscape. Yet, there is little transparency around what materials districts select—a gap that limits our collective ability to measure and improve student outcomes. The Center for Education Market Dynamics (CEMD) is working to change this by collecting and sharing K-12 instructional materials data that empowers education leaders to make informed decisions, particularly for underserved students.

Why Instructional Materials Data Is Critical

Instructional materials—including core and supplemental curricula, assessments, and tutoring programs—form the foundation of classroom learning. They shape how educators teach and how students engage with content. However, limited visibility into what materials districts select creates significant challenges:

  • Evaluating Effectiveness: Without clear data, it’s difficult to determine which materials truly improve student outcomes and align with educational standards.
  • Resource Alignment: Districts and states struggle to allocate resources effectively without understanding the tools already in use.
  • Equity: A lack of transparency makes it harder to identify and address gaps in access to high-quality materials, leaving underserved students at a disadvantage.

By increasing transparency, we can enable better decision-making and drive systemic progress across the education sector.

Who Benefits From Transparent Data

Reliable instructional materials data has transformative potential for stakeholders across the education ecosystem:

  • School District Leaders: Gain insights into adoption trends to inform curriculum selection, professional development, and strategic planning.
  • State Education Agencies: Use data to guide policy decisions, funding priorities, and statewide instructional improvement efforts.
  • Mission-Driven Organizations: Better understand gaps and opportunities to drive targeted interventions and improve equity.
  • Researchers and Policymakers: Access actionable data to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional approaches and inform policy.
  • Curriculum and Professional Learning Providers: Align offerings with district needs and identify areas for improvement.
  • Philanthropy and Impact Investment: Use data to guide investments that have the greatest potential for scalable, sustainable impact.

Using Data to Drive Systemic Change

CEMD’s work is already generating insights that are reshaping the education landscape:

  • High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM): Tracking HQIM adoption trends to help states and districts prioritize materials that meet rigorous standards.
  • Superintendent Turnover Trends: Analyzing leadership changes to understand their impact on instructional priorities.
  • Tutoring Program Data: Offering a preview of how transparency in tutoring practices can support equity and improve outcomes.

By fostering collaboration and driving systemic change, transparency in instructional materials can pave the way for equitable access to high-quality resources—especially for students who need them most.

Join Us in Advancing Equity and Transparency

Transforming K-12 education requires collective action. Whether you’re leading a district, guiding state policy, or funding initiatives that drive educational impact, access to data is key to making informed decisions that close opportunity gaps and improve outcomes.

At CEMD, we are committed to building a transparent, data-driven education market that serves all students equitably. We invite you to partner with us in advancing this mission—together, we can ensure that every student has access to the materials they need to succeed.

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