What Does HQIM Really Mean?

High-quality instructional materials, or HQIM for short, refers to resources that are designed to facilitate effective teaching and learning. These materials come in various forms like textbooks, digital content, curricula, lesson plans, assessments, and other resources that are used by teachers to deliver instruction and support student learning. Important characteristics of HQIM in education include:

  1. Alignment with standards: HQIM should be aligned with relevant educational standards, such as state or national curriculum standards, to ensure that they cover the required content and skills.

  2. Clear and coherent organization: HQIM should be well-organized and easy to navigate, with a clear structure and sequencing that promotes logical progression of content and skills.

  3. Accuracy and reliability: HQIM should be accurate and reliable, based on current and verified information, research-based practices, and reputable sources.

  4. Differentiation and accessibility: HQIM should be designed to accommodate diverse learners, providing differentiated instruction and support for students with different learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. They should also be accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

  5. Engaging and relevant content: HQIM should be engaging and relevant to students, connecting to their prior knowledge and experiences, and promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge and skills.

Should I Get HQIM for My School?

The specific definition of HQIM may vary depending on local educational contexts, standards, and needs of students and teachers. It's always important to consider local context and research-based practices when evaluating and selecting instructional materials for educational settings. 

Consultation with curriculum specialists, educators, and administrators can be helpful in determining what constitutes high-quality instructional materials for a particular educational context. Additionally, ongoing professional learning for teachers in the use of instructional materials can support effective implementation and maximize their impact on student learning. 

Does Teaching Lab Offer HQIM?

HQIM is a critical component of effective educational programs that support student achievement and success. If your school or district wants to learn more about HQIM, contact our Program Team at info@teachinglab.org. Teaching Lab plans to fundamentally shift the paradigm of teacher professional learning to achieve educational equity, which includes the implementation of HQIM.