Instructional System

The Instructional System focuses on the primary elements that drive teaching and learning in schools: curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Research on effective practices for supporting instruction in a district identify a progression of stages centered on a district's vision for teaching and learning. The following research-based practices support implementation of this system in a district (Misystemsupport.com, 2025).

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1. The district’s curriculum is based upon its vision and identified approaches to learning, which are grounded in scientific research

2. The district’s curriculum is aligned to learning progressions and measurable learning outcomes.

3. The district’s curriculum includes essential academic and non-academic learning (curricular) outcomes that are aligned to the district’s vision.

4. The district’s curriculum is aligned (horizontally and vertically) and ensures coherence, equity, and rigor.

5. The district’s curriculum resources for teaching are aligned to the district’s vision for learners.

6. The district’s system of assessments for academic and non-academic skills is aligned to the curriculum.

7. The district’s instructional models are aligned to the district’s vision for learning.                

8. The district provides ongoing, job-embedded professional learning for all educators to continuously improve instructional practices and student support.

9. The district’s allocation of time and resources are aligned to student need and district-defined essential learning.

10. The district’s academic and non-academic support matches individual student need. 

11. The district’s use of data supports continuous improvement practices.

12. The district’s assessment of teaching and learning is aligned to the district’s vision.

13. The district uses improvement cycles to monitor short-term routines in order to achieve long-term goals.

14. The district’s evaluation and assessment of curriculum and its resources ensure equity for every child.

The Instructional System is defined as a systematic approach to developing, designing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating any instructional experience (Hodell, 2007).