In 2020, we experienced a year unlike any other. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted families, schools, and teachers in untold ways. Every district had to adapt in order to reach all students, provide safe learning spaces, and continue support services. Finding new ways to select and use instructional materials throughout the year became a focal point as districts transitioned to remote and hybrid learning.

Despite the very real challenges of the past year, one thing remains clear: many educators remain committed to ensuring all students have access to high-quality materials. Because of the critical role materials play in accelerating student learning and closing gaps, it is vital for all stakeholders to have a better understanding of the materials market.

Our 2020 “State of the Instructional Materials Market: The Use of Aligned Materials” report aims to provide insight into how the market is changing. Specifically, the report focuses on the availability of programs aligned to college and career-ready standards and how regularly these aligned materials are being used in classrooms to influence instruction and prepare students for higher education and future professions.

Key Findings

• EdReports has reviewed approximately 90 percent of the known K-12 mathematics and ELA materials market and found that aligned instructional materials are increasingly available.
• 2020 saw significant gains in the regular use of standards-aligned materials (“once per week” and use 50 percent or more of the week).
• Along with gains in use of aligned instructional materials, there was a corresponding decrease of teachers using self-created materials—a practice that produces lower quality content than what districts or states provide and disproportionately impacts students of color and students living in poverty.

Read the full report and learn about actions that can be taken to improve access to the high-quality curricula that can make a difference for students.