| By Gale Staff |
Using high-quality educational content in the classroom is essential to shaping students’ academic success—but how can you make sure your school is using content that supports both your curriculum and student achievement?
With more content available than ever, educators must vet instructional resources to ensure they’re credible, aligned to standards, AND appropriate for students.
So where do you start? Below is a checklist of seven criteria educators can use to assess instructional content.
1. Is it Aligned to the Curriculum?
The first step in reviewing content is to ensure the material being taught is directly linked to learning objectives and outcomes. Relevance to learning objectives enhances student engagement with topics and comprehension of key concepts.
Aligning content to curriculum standards first also ensures your instructional materials meet the criteria set by your district. This maintains educational quality and, ultimately, supports data-driven decision-making.
2. Is it Credible?
Next, educators should confirm if the material is accurate, up-to-date, and supported by reputable sources. Check to see if the content provides references and citations where appropriate.
3. Is it Age-Appropriate?
Quality content makes little impact if it doesn’t resonate with students. Does the material align with the age and developmental level of your students? Check for a grade or reading level to ensure the material fits your student’s needs.
4. Is it Accessible?
Is the material accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or special needs? Look for alternative formats or appropriate accommodations that enable accessibility for all, like translations and text-to-speech technology.
5. Is it Safe to Access?
Is the content available on a resource that adheres to strict privacy guidelines? Does it ensure the safety and security of student data? Look for a privacy policy that confirms student data is not collected.
6. Is it Culturally Sensitive?
Does the content promote inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities? Will this content have a positive effect on promoting a sense of belonging and empathy in your school environment?
7. Is it Engaging?
Lastly, ask if the content is engaging or interactive. Are there multimedia elements, interactive features, and varied instructional strategies you can use to enhance student learning?
When teachers use curriculum-aligned content, they equip students to meet academic benchmarks and improve achievement. Establishing clear content parameters also helps maintain consistency across classrooms, schools, and districts. This ensures all students receive the same foundational knowledge and skills, promoting equitable educational opportunities.
Ready to ensure every educator at your school is choosing quality, curriculum-aligned content? Download a PDF of the checklist and share it today: 7 Things to Look for in Curriculum-Aligned Content
Prefer to use one platform that connects your district directly to quality, standards-aligned materials you can trust? Access millions of pages of expert-curated K-12 instructional content on an accessible platform. Learn how Gale In Context: For Educators makes it easier to find and share quality instructional content among educators, departments, and schools.
