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.
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:
By increasing transparency, we can enable better decision-making and drive systemic progress across the education sector.
Reliable instructional materials data has transformative potential for stakeholders across the education ecosystem:
CEMD’s work is already generating insights that are reshaping the education landscape:
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.
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.