Instructional Resources
Instructional resources are the tools - print, digital, and hands-on - that support high-quality teaching and learning across District 51. Their selection and connection to our unified curriculum is guided by Board Policies IGA (Curriculum Development) and IIJ (Instructional Resources Selection & Adoption), which ensure that materials align with the Colorado Academic Standards, reflect the D51 Graduate Profile, and support evidence-based instruction for all learners.
Careful selection matters. High-quality resources help teachers deliver strong instruction, ensure consistency across schools, and provide students with meaningful, rigorous learning experiences from kindergarten through graduation.
How D51 Selects Instructional Resources
D51 follows a collaborative and transparent process, outlined in Board Policies IGA and IIJ, to identify and adopt materials that best support student learning.
Cycles of evaluation and needs analysis
Resources are reviewed on a regular cycle or when key conditions arise, including:
- Changes to the Colorado Academic Standards
- Shifts in student performance data or instructional needs
- Updated research on effective instructional practices
- Feedback from teachers, leaders, and families
Selection Criteria
During a recommendation cycle, all resources are evaluated for:
- Alignment with the Colorado Prepared Graduate Competencies
- Alignment to Colorado Academic Standards
- Alignment with D51 goals and philosophies, as with the mission, vision, and Teaching and Learning Framework
- Alignment with discoveries about adolescent growth and development and the science of learning
- Consideration of individual student needs, interests, and performance levels allowing for inclusive and differentiated teaching and learning for all students
The graphic below shows how D51 moves from identifying instructional needs, to making recommendations, and seeking final Board approval. It reflects the shared roles of teachers, leaders, the Curriculum Resource Governance Committee (CRGC), and the Board of Education in selecting and adopting high-quality resources for students.
Board-Adopted Instructional Resources
D51 distinguishes between core instructional resources, those formally adopted by the Board and used consistently across the district, and supplemental materials that teachers may use to enhance instruction when aligned to standards.
VIEW D51 BOARD-ADOPTED INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCes - Coming Soon!
How Families and Community Members Can View or Learn About Resources
Families and community members are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the instructional materials used in their child’s classroom. To support transparency, families and community members may view adopted print and physical materials by scheduling an appointment with the D51 Textbook Warehouse, which manages the procurement, distribution, and maintenance of textbooks across the district.
Schedule Time to View Curricular Resources
Partnering with teachers, counselors, and school leaders is the most effective way to understand how instructional resources support learning at each grade level.