New dashboard provides insight into the quality of instructional materials
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) announced the launch of the NM Materials Matter dashboard, a user-friendly and searchable database that offers transparency into the instructional materials purchased by school districts statewide. “Transparency about how school districts allocate funding for instructional materials and whether they meet high-quality standards is important for families and educators,” said Public Education Secretary-Designate Mariana D. Padilla.
The dashboard also indicates whether those materials are classified as high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), as rated by New Mexico educators. The dashboard promotes transparency and empowers families, educators and policymakers with accessible information to support informed decisions.
The dashboard data is based on districts' annual reporting of their expenditures for core instructional materials. Users can filter dashboard content according to district, grade range, subject area and instructional material name. The dashboard emphasizes instructional material alignment with state academic standards and, by highlighting progress and successful practices, advances New Mexico’s shared vision for educational excellence.
By launching this tool, the PED is introducing a new level of transparency into the current landscape of instructional material selection. The dashboard information can be used by district and school leaders, regional educational cooperatives, educator preparation programs and professional learning providers to better support their constituents.
The PED prioritizes HQIM for all New Mexico students and teachers by facilitating a rigorous, evidence-based and transparent review process completed by New Mexico educators. As a result of these reviews, the state releases an annual list of state-adopted instructional materials, which school districts are encouraged to use in their own selection process. Statutorily, the PED is required to review core instructional materials for alignment with the state content standards and criteria for determining their level of quality.
Research shows that access to HQIM dramatically improves educational outcomes. Research also shows that high-quality professional learning tied directly to the adopted HQIM further improves educational outcomes. Districts should have a plan for implementation that includes professional learning for teachers to skillfully use their HQIM to meet the needs of all students. The PED is committed to making HQIM available across the state and supporting strong implementation to ensure every student receives a great education.
###
The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram.
Link: NEWS RELEASE: Public Education Department launches instructional materials dashboard