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HQIM Communities of Practice Application | 2026/2027

Overview

ELA/Literacy HQIM Communities of Practice (HQIM CoP) Overview
These professional learning communities are intended to provide a collaborative space for Schools and Districts in the early stages of implementing a specific HQIM for ELA/Literacy. For SY26-27, the communities of practice will focus on Grades K-8 for CKLA/Amplify, EL Education, or Wit & Wisdom. Through the curriculum-specific professional learning of the HQIM CoP, district teams will collaborate and support one another in implementing instructional routines that foster effective, culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices and deeper learning.

Program Structure & Benefits

Curriculum-Specific Learning
  • Sessions tailored to your specific curriculum (CKLA/Amplify, EL Education, or Wit & Wisdom).
  • Grade-band specific breakouts (K-5 and 6-8) with differentiated content.
  • Role-specific breakouts (e.g., Administrator, Coach, Educator)
  • Deep dives into curriculum-specific instructional routines, including but not limited to:
    • EL Education's instructional structures ( e.g., Read-Think-Talk-Write Cycle, Total Participation Techniques).
    • CKLA/Amplify's approach to knowledge building and foundational skills.
    • Wit & Wisdom's content and craft stages that support both content and writing development. 
Workshop-Style Sessions
  • Interactive, collaborative learning environment
  • Small group activities
  • Hands-on engagement with curriculum materials
  • Time dedicated to working with your district team
Vendor-Provided Targeted Implementation Support
  • Two on-site coaching visits to observe instruction and provide actionable feedback
  • Three 1:1 strategic advising/coaching calls to address district-specific challenges
  • Curriculum observation tools and protocols
  • Support for effective implementation routines (e.g., unit unpacking, lesson internalization, collaborative planning, feedback and observation, analysis of student work, and supporting all learners).
Implementation Planning & Tools
  • Time during each session for district teams to develop and refine implementation plans focused on curricular-specific instructional routines.
  • Tools for self-assessment, classroom observation, and student data analysis
  • Support for adapting materials to meet diverse student needs while maintaining instructional integrity
Networking Opportunities
  • Connect with other districts implementing the same curriculum
  • Share implementation strategies and solutions
  • Create a professional network that extends beyond the program


ELA/Literacy HQIM Communities of Practice Logistics 

The following table outlines the anticipated scope of services for the 2026/2027 school year:   


School/District Applicant Teams
The target audience will be interdisciplinary teams of key school and district-level administrators and educators currently employed in Massachusetts public, charter, and collaborative schools.

Team members may include:  

  • Literacy specialist/coach (district and school-level)  
  • Special education director  
  • Language acquisition specialist (district and school level)  
  • District administrator (e.g., curriculum director, assistant superintendent for curriculum/instruction, or other senior district leaders responsible for decisions related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment)  
  • Building administrator (e.g., school principal, assistant principal of teaching/learning, or other administrators responsible for school-based decisions related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment) 
  • K-8 general education classroom teacher (school-level) 
  • K-8 special educators (school-level) 
These individuals will constitute an applicant TEAM. Only one person from the team should complete this application. In the application, please list the contact person for the team as the first name.

Early Literacy Screening Data

​​​​Districts participating in the HQIM Communities of Practice will be required to participate in research efforts, including providing student-level assessment data from the approved early literacy screening assessment that is administered in all schools during the award period. DESE will request that data be submitted by June 30 of each year awarded. DESE will analyze the data collected for research purposes, including evaluation of this program. Analyses will comply with state and federal confidentiality laws.

Districts participating in the HQIM Communities of Practice agree to participate in data collection efforts with DESE's third-party evaluator.

Application Overview

In the application, you will be asked to:

  • Submit the application on behalf of the team with each individual member listed in the one application form.
  • Acknowledge the time commitments of the communities of practice.
  • Application Due Date: Friday, August 7, 2026. All applications are through this form only.

For questions and support:
Please contact Lori McNally at lori.b.mcnally@mass.gov with any additional questions. 
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