In the first blog of this two-part series, we explored why piloting curricula is a powerful and increasingly common part of the curriculum adoption process. In this second blog, we focus on how to pilot well. Based on our experiences and conversations with educators and school leaders, we outline key best practices that districts can use to structure a successful, meaningful pilot.
1. Articulate a Clear Purpose or Goal for the Pilot
Before launching a pilot, districts should take time to clarify the purpose and goals behind it.
Are you evaluating how well the curriculum supports district-wide literacy initiatives? Are you focused on student engagement, growth, or alignment with existing policies? Having a clear vision ensures the pilot stays focused and helps all stakeholders understand what they’re working toward. This clear vision will help ensure a successful curriculum pilot.
For example, your goals for piloting might be twofold: to ensure that the curriculum you select aligns with your district literacy policy and does the best job of supporting your students.
When districts articulate clear goals, the evaluation process becomes much more meaningful, and the feedback gathered is easier to analyze and act on.
2. Decide How You’ll Collect Data and Feedback (and Use a Rubric)
Pilots provide a unique opportunity to gather real-world insights—both qualitative and quantitative—about how a curriculum functions in the classroom. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to determine how you’ll measure success.
This often includes:
- Student performance metrics
- Observational data from instructional coaches or administrators
- Feedback from teachers and students
- Student engagement levels
Many districts also use rubrics to guide their decision-making. Some create their own; others use established tools, such as The Reading League’s curriculum evaluation rubric. A strong rubric helps ensure a fair, consistent review process—and allows districts to factor in elements like pilot duration, timing, and implementation context.
3. Select Your Pilot Teachers in an Intentional Way
How you select pilot teachers and pilot committee members matters. Some districts invite volunteers; others assign teachers or offer stipends to acknowledge the time and effort involved. Regardless of the method, intentionality is key.
Think about:
- Grade level and content area representation
- Teacher openness to trying something new
- Including a wide range of viewpoints and experiences across school sites
These decisions affect the quality of the feedback and the overall success of the pilot.
Here are some insights from school and district leaders who have participated in pilots with Collaborative Classroom. For example, in Dover, PA, leaders assembled a pilot committee with wide representation, including educators from every building and every grade level.
“We elected to bring together an elementary literacy committee, and we worked in that forum for about two years. It really started with just pulling people together from those four elementary schools. Reading specialists were all involved, different teachers from every building and every grade level were represented.”—Chris Young, Principal, North Salem Elementary School, Dover, PA
Another leader highlighted the importance of seeking out stakeholders with different points of view, including those who feel unsure about potential change:
“If you have only like-minded individuals serving on a [pilot] committee, you may not be able to make as much progress as you will if your committee members are bringing a wide range of perspectives. Those individuals who may initially be skeptical or on the fence can eventually become your biggest advocates when you are proposing a big shift or philosophical change.”—Dr. Brian Cromer, Director of Curriculum and Implementation, South Western School District, PA
4. Structure the Pilot to Value Teacher Voice
Introducing a new curriculum can sometimes create resistance from teachers, parents, or administrators who are comfortable with the status quo. But when teachers feel heard and respected throughout the pilot process, they are more likely to support the final adoption decision.
Pilots offer a powerful opportunity to:
- Build teacher buy-in
- Cultivate ownership of the curriculum
- Identify champions who can support full-scale rollout later on
A successful curriculum pilot incorporates feedback loops. Surveys, interviews, or regular reflection meeting help elevate teacher voice and ensure their insights shape the final decision.
“Piloting helped us make sure that teachers understand the philosophy behind the program. Once our teachers felt the impact of the program and they had the buy-in, then I think everybody from our piloting team was really on board.” —Julie Vail, 3rd Grade Teacher, North Salem Elementary School, Dover, PA
5. Lay the Groundwork with Sufficient Professional Learning
“Professional learning helped us understand [through the pilot process] that it’s not about teaching a program, it’s helping build our teachers’ skills in teaching, reading, and writing” —Sandy Cook, Swartz Creek Public Schools
A successful curriculum pilot doesn’t just test the curriculum—it also prepares teachers to implement it with fidelity. That means providing high-quality professional learning throughout the pilot, not just at the start.
Effective professional learning during a pilot:
- Builds teacher confidence
- Strengthens implementation
- Supports professional growth
When teachers feel supported, the pilot becomes not just a test run, but a meaningful learning experience that can improve instruction regardless of the final adoption decision.
6. Communicate Clearly and Consistently with All Stakeholders
Throughout the pilot, communication is key. Whether you’re working with teachers, administrators, parents, or school board members, having clear and consistent communication processes helps build trust and transparency.
Some ideas:
- Share timelines and expectations upfront
- Create feedback opportunities for parents and students
- Offer regular updates about pilot progress and next steps
Strong communication ensures that everyone feels informed and included in the process, which ultimately leads to stronger buy-in and a successful curriculum pilot.
In Pennsylvania’s South Western School District, leaders further strengthened communication and consistency through the creation of a master piloting schedule:
“We developed a master schedule, which established a uniform schedule across all four elementary schools, with the goal of having consistency across each of the buildings for the pilot. Building that master schedule meant that when we had collaboration time, we all had the same number of minutes, no matter what building an educator was in. I believe that was an important ingredient in the success of our pilot process.”—Dr. Brian Cromer, Director of Curriculum and Implementation, South Western School District, PA
Lessons Learned: What School Leaders Gain from Pilots
Well-structured pilots do more than just test a curriculum. They:
- Offer insight into how a curriculum functions in real classrooms
- Surface valuable teacher and student feedback
- Provide an opportunity to practice implementation before full rollout
- Allow districts to make data-informed, confident decisions
Every district has its own set of academic goals and priorities—whether it’s improving literacy outcomes, fostering equity, or preparing students for lifelong learning. Piloting is a crucial step in finding the curriculum that best meets those goals.
It’s not just about choosing a new program. It’s about choosing the right program—one that aligns with your values, supports your teachers, and truly meets the needs of your students. A thoughtful, well-executed pilot—one that centers teacher voice, gathers actionable data, and invests in professional learning—can ensure that your investment in curriculum pays off for years to come.
Related Resources:
Read part one of this series: Why Piloting is Essential to Your Curriculum Adoption Process
Interested in piloting a Collaborative Classroom program? Learn more.