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Students spend a lot of time with screens, raising concerns among parents and teachers; however, technology also has its benefits. How can districts recognize and choose digital tools that actually help learning?

In the edLeader Panel “Evaluating Purpose-Built Digital Curricula That Drive Outcomes: No More Trial-and-Error,” Ross Romano, Director of Strategic Communications at Edmentum, talked with Pam Shaw, Director of K-12 Quality Assurance at Quality Matters, along with Edmentum’s Dr. Michelle Barrett, Senior Vice President of Research, Policy, and Impact, and Tatiana Ciccarelli, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, about how to recognize high-quality digital learning tools and curricula that can meet educational goals and have sustainable, positive results.

Does It Deliver on Promises?

When considering what programs and practices to invest in, education leaders need to look at what digital tools and curricula are designed to do and if they align with district goals. To determine if the product is right for their district, they must look for evidence that it can deliver what it promises, such as theories of change or logic models underlying the program, which is information vendors should provide.

Leaders should inquire about evidence and research that demonstrates program effectiveness. They can determine evidence quality by turning to organizations specializing in research quality reviews, such as the non-profit Quality Matters.

Does It Meet Your Unique Needs?

Digital tools and curricula should add value to school systems, meeting the unique needs of districts’ initiatives. That means looking at what was considered in product reviews, awards, and evaluations to see if they match your particular needs.

Curricula should be clear, easy to understand, accessible, and support learning objectives, meeting the goal of providing high-quality learning experiences for all students.

Also, leaders must look at what data collection and analysis tools the program uses, the staff training it will require, and available resources for implementation. Proactively ask these questions to confirm that the product is what your district needs.

Providers Must Adapt, Too

Every state defines high-quality instructional material (HQIM) differently, and definitions change over time. Therefore, providers should be adaptive and improve products in response to districts’ changing needs. A high-quality digital tool can be customized to meet varying needs and approval processes, incorporating universal design.

HQIM is a crucial part of Tier 1 instruction. Differentiated instruction yields positive results, and purposeful digital tools and curricula are designed with that in mind. They provide targeted, evidence-based supplemental and intervention materials that support students, drive academic achievement, and generate better results than core curricula alone. Effective tools give classrooms the best of both digital and traditional learning.

Research shows that purpose-built digital tools are beneficial. They have sound design, include teachers in implementation, and provide evidence that they benefit students. Asking providers about this, as well as the conditions for program success, helps leaders identify tools and curricula that are built for learning.

Get Teachers Involved

The technology needs to be designed and implemented with teacher involvement, helping them to enhance their skills and engage with students without taking over the class. High-quality tools let teachers differentiate learning and help ease their workloads, with features like providing instant feedback on student performance. Teachers are also the boots on the ground to inform leaders about what does and doesn’t work.

Don’t Forget to Communicate

When implementing a new program, it’s important to reach out to families to address their concerns and explain how the program will support student growth. Leaders should also clarify that they’ve confirmed alignment with all state requirements. Everyone in the school community will want to make sure any new tools or curricula will have positive, long-lasting impacts, so clear communication is key.

High-quality digital tools and curricula can improve student outcomes in lasting ways and significantly help teachers, too. To ensure districts get the right tools for their needs, leaders must proactively ask questions and look for quality evidence. Careful examination and a clear understanding of desired outcomes ensure schools have what they need for student success.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Evaluating Purpose-Built Digital Curricula That Drive Outcomes: No More Trial-and-Error, sponsored by Edmentum.

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Edmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up, stay on track, or chart their own path. When you pair Edmentum’s comprehensive, research-backed learning acceleration solutions—including digital curriculum and courses, K-12 diagnostic-driven personalized intervention, and virtual instruction—with empowered and supported educators, you can change the direction of students’ lives. We partner with K-12 educators in all 50 states and 100+ countries worldwide to design, implement, and sustain the programs that deliver on this shared promise of learning acceleration for every student.

Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel