This guide outlines five critical criteria administrators should use when selecting or evaluating science instructional materials. It emphasizes alignment with standards, real-world phenomena, and opportunities for student inquiry.

Leaders can use this guide to ensure science content supports deep understanding, engagement, and skill development.

Key Benefits

With this guide, leaders can:

• Prioritize phenomena-based instruction.
• Ensure alignment to science standards and practices.
• Support hands-on inquiry and investigation.
• Evaluate materials for conceptual coherence.
• Select content that builds scientific thinking skills.

Who Should Use This Guide

This resource is designed for:

• District science leaders.
• Curriculum and instruction teams.
• School administrators supporting science programs.