The state of instructional (in)coherence:
How state guidance causes confusion and what SEAs can do to fix it
A high-volume of well-meaning state improvement efforts often leads to compounding and conflicting guidance for school and system leaders. To better understand both the causes and the implications of these mixed messages, we analyzed hundreds of state-issued instructional guidance documents and synthesized what we’ve learned from partnering with state education agencies (SEAs) across the country. This white paper reveals that incompatible approaches to instructional improvement are widespread in statewide guidance—and outlines actionable steps SEA leaders can take to improve coherence and drive student learning across their state.
Incoherence is widespread
SEA teams often work in silos, influenced by funding tied to specific priorities and roles. As a result, school systems receive a large volume of guidance from the state—much of it sending mixed or conflicting messages about how to improve instruction.
When SEA staff aren’t aligned around a clear, manageable approach to instruction, the impact is felt at every level of the education system. School and school system leaders are left with an overwhelming amount of directives, uncertain about which to prioritize and unclear about what is expected of them. This confusion then trickles down, making it difficult for instructional leaders to provide focused support for teachers—hindering instructional improvement efforts and ultimately limiting student learning gains.
Improvement is possible
At Instruction Partners, we’ve supported many SEAs in strengthening their guidance, support, and accountability measures for schools and school systems. Though alignment work is challenging for any large, bureaucratic institution, we’ve helped state agencies clarify priorities for schools and systems and align their required processes and tools to support these priorities.
SEAs are uniquely positioned to improve coherence across school systems. Especially as the federal government’s role shifts and states gain new authority, now is a critical moment for SEAs to take stock of state-issued guidance; identify and eliminate incoherence; and ensure that they’re ready to implement a clear, unified strategy that improves instruction and student learning.