Imagine a student learning Shakespeare. In your imagination, is this learning relevant to the student? Is she deeply engaged or, perhaps, utterly bored? Strong teachers know how to engage students in learning topics that might otherwise seem irrelevant. They connect the topic under study to something familiar to the student, such as their local community, ethnic background, or favorite hobbies. Less skilled teachers often find this difficult, meaning students in more effective teachers’ classrooms have significant advantages.

Not all students have the privilege of being in the best teachers’ classrooms. One way to minimize the equity gap between classrooms is by providing high-quality instructional resources. It’s incumbent upon school districts to do this. However, these materials often fall short since they are developed at national and regional levels. While great teachers can keep the needs of their students top of mind, resources developed for broad demographics cannot.

Customized Content is Often Best

Teachers know that district-provided resources often miss the mark. Therefore, many dedicated educators believe a crucial part of their role lies in curating high-quality instructional resources. Countless hours are spent scouring the internet, seeking materials that truly speak to their students. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers have become go-to sources, but district administrators often express concerns about the quality of these resources. The fear is that students are not being challenged or engaged, missing out on the deeper learning that high-quality, bespoke content can provide. Frankly, numerous administrators refer to the content that teachers find online as “sub-standard.”

The opportunity cost of teachers spending time searching for learning resources is immense. Instead of searching for content, teachers could be providing deeper feedback on student work, mentoring individual students, communicating with parents, and deepening their own subject matter and pedagogical knowledge bases.

Teachers certainly know their students best. Their thoughts and perspectives on what constitutes the highest quality lessons and courses should serve as a foundation for localized instructional materials. But they should not have to build the materials themselves. It’s an unnecessary use of their time.

If districts and educators could work together to develop bespoke content, it could alleviate the burden on teachers while ensuring that students receive the top notch education they deserve. By harnessing the collective expertise of educators and curriculum developers, districts can create materials that are not only engaging and relevant but also aligned with the specific needs of each community. Both teacher and student would be able to recognize themselves in the instructional materials produced.

Unlike materials produced for a national or regional demographic, the outcome of this teacher-district collaboration will speak to the specific district’s student body. Students will encounter stories, examples, and problems that resonate with their own lives in locally developed content. Consequently, they will be more likely to engage with the material. They will see themselves as part of the learning process, not just passive recipients of information. This sense of connection will be far more likely to spark a lifelong love of learning and a belief in their own potential.

Moreover, this content helps to break down stereotypes and promote understanding. When students from different backgrounds see the cultures and experiences of their classmates represented in a positive light, it fosters a sense of inclusivity and respect. It sends the powerful message that everyone’s story matters.

Creating bespoke content may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. With advances in technology, it is now easier than ever to tailor educational materials to specific communities. Teachers and curriculum developers can collaborate to create this content.

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever to celebrate our diversity. By providing students with localized, bespoke content, we are not only improving their educational outcomes but also nurturing a generation of individuals who are confident, empathetic, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Investing in the Future

The investment in locally developed content is an investment in the future. It’s about recognizing that every student deserves to see themselves reflected in the materials they learn from. It’s about empowering teachers to create great learning experiences. And it’s about building a more equitable and inclusive education system that prepares all students for success. By prioritizing the development of high-quality, localized content, we can unlock the full potential of every learner and create a brighter future for all.