2026 Recommended K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) for Science

High-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) benefit teachers and students alike. For teachers, they increase content knowledge, provide guidance to inform strong instruction, support implementation of grade-level appropriate tasks and enable teachers to make smart adjustments to meet the various needs of students. For students, HQIRs give access to standards-aligned resources and grade-level assignments, help students reach the intended learning outcomes within the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science and can provide vibrant learning experiences for all students. 

To help districts and schools navigate the current materials market, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released the 2026 Recommended K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources for Science list. Consistent with the KDE Model Curriculum Framework and the Science Instructional Resources Consumer Guide, this Tier 1 list identifies comprehensive core instructional resources that have been independently reviewed by an external evaluator. These resources meet the markers of HQIRs for science and demonstrate at least 80% alignment to the KAS for Science, providing districts and schools with confidence as they make local curriculum decisions.

Local superintendents and district review teams hold the authority to decide which curriculum, textbooks and instructional materials best fit their schools, and this list is designed to support that local review rather than replace it.

By starting with these recommended resources, review teams can spend more time evaluating for their local context and less time identifying materials that meet baseline quality expectations.

Access the 2026 Recommended K-12 High-Quality Instructional Resources for Science list on the High-Quality Instructional Resource Adoption Webpage

Questions? Reach out to the science team at kdescience@education.ky.gov.