Students often experience math as learning a series of disconnected skills rather than building the conceptual understanding needed for deeper learning. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) can help, but adopting them is not enough. This WestEd Perspectives brief explores how coherent systems that align instructional materials, assessments, professional learning, and leadership practices around a shared vision for student learning can improve math outcomes. Specifically, the brief 

  • explains why HQIM implementation requires a systemwide approach, guided by data and collaboration, to support continuous improvement; 
  • highlights the role of collaboration among state and district leaders, educators, curriculum developers, and researchers in building coherent HQIM systems; and 
  • shares evidence that meaningful gains take time and call for long-term commitment and ongoing improvement. 

The brief is designed for state and district leaders, school leaders, curriculum developers, and researchers.