From Selection to Success: Navigating Florida’s Instructional Materials State Adoption Process and Portal

About the Webinar:

This essential session provided charter school leaders with a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s instructional materials adoption process and how to effectively navigate the state’s online portal system. Caroline Palmer, Director of Instructional Materials at the Florida Department of Education, explained the rigorous state adoption process that evaluates instructional materials for alignment with Florida’s standards, including recent legislative requirements related to the Science of Reading and restrictions on certain content. She outlined the timeline and criteria used to review and approve materials, emphasizing that the state adoption list represents resources that have been thoroughly vetted for quality, accuracy, and compliance with Florida law. Palmer clarified that while charter schools have flexibility in curriculum selection, understanding the state adoption process and utilizing approved materials can streamline procurement, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide confidence that resources meet Florida’s high academic standards.

The presentation included a detailed walkthrough of Florida’s Instructional Materials Portal, demonstrating how educators and administrators can search for approved materials by subject, grade level, and specific standards alignment. Palmer explained how to access the portal, interpret adoption information, review publisher resources, and utilize the system’s features for comparing materials and accessing supplementary resources. She also addressed common questions about the adoption cycle, procedures for requesting materials not on the state list, funding mechanisms including instructional materials allocations, and compliance requirements for charter schools. The session emphasized the importance of selecting high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials as a foundation for effective teaching and learning, and provided practical guidance on involving teachers in the selection process, evaluating digital versus print resources, and ensuring materials support diverse learner needs. Attendees left equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed instructional materials decisions that align with both their school’s mission and state requirements.