Identifying Instructional Priorities
In today’s classrooms, meeting the diverse needs of students while maintaining rigorous, standards-aligned instruction is no small feat. For schools striving to accelerate learning and close gaps, identifying instructional priorities is not just important—it’s essential.
Why Instructional Priorities Matter
Instructional priorities are more than just focus areas; they are the foundation of effective teaching and learning. They provide a clear, research-based roadmap to help teachers and leaders concentrate on practices that matter most. From engaging students with complex texts in ELA to facilitating rigorous problem-solving in math, these priorities are designed to address the areas where instructional efforts have the greatest impact.
By centering attention on these key practices, instructional priorities ensure that:
Students receive equitable opportunities to succeed with grade-level standards.
Teachers are supported with actionable, targeted feedback and guidance.
Leadership teams align their efforts with a unified vision for success.
The Research Behind the Core Actions
Developed through rigorous research and aligned with the Instructional Practice Guides (IPGs), the Core Actions provide practical strategies to implement these priorities. The Core Actions for both ELA and Math focus on:
Engaging students with grade-level content that challenges and inspires learning.
Deepening understanding through collaborative tasks and text-based analysis.
Promoting ownership and perseverance as students tackle complex problems and refine their thinking.
These actionable strategies bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping educators to create impactful learning experiences that accelerate student progress.
Take Action Today
Are you ready to identify the instructional priorities that will have the most impact in your school? Understanding your priorities is the first step toward creating a cohesive, student-centered instructional approach.
Take the quiz below to help you identify your ELA and/or Math Instructional Priorities today to pinpoint the focus areas that will drive success in your classrooms.
By identifying and implementing the right instructional priorities, you can complete the puzzle of effective teaching and learning—one piece at a time. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for every student.