Tools have been developed to support Iowa districts in implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). These tools encompass the journey from adoption to full implementation. The tools, used in collaboration with support providers (Department of Education, AEA, external partners), help districts to sustain the integrity of the high-quality instructional materials while using evidence-based instructional strategies that meet the needs of Iowa’s students. The HQIM Leadership Academy provides a deeper understanding of each tool and its application and amplifies the impact of the tools through a collaborative network.
Learning Walks
Learning walks use observation tools to collect consistent data on HQIM implementation and instruction. It is designed to help observers:
- Connect observation evidence to Iowa’s vision for students
- Interpret each indicator by its intent (not as a checklist)
- Capture comparable notes and ratings across classrooms and observers
- Calibrate ratings to support feedback and continuous improvement