Guide to Quality Instructional Materials

The New York legislature has launched initiatives and shifted policies to support the transition to digital learning. In 2011, New York passed the Instructional Materials Aid amendment, which allows local education agencies flexibility in the use of state funding for acquisition of instructional resources, including digital content. In 2014, the New York state legislature passed the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014. The measure authorized the state to issue and sell up to $2 billion in bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure in New York schools. To receive funds, districts must submit a “Smart Schools Investment Plan” outlining their use of funds.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) encourages the implementation of OER materials using Creative Commons Licensing for educational purposes.  NYSED does not have a formal definition for OER nor a policy regarding OER implementation however, supports a general description of OER as “teaching and learning materials that you may freely use and reuse at no cost.”

NYSED has launched two programs to encourage the implementation of OER Materials.

• New York’s Virtual Advanced Placement (VAP) program assists in the development of open courseware for Advanced Placement classes focusing on at-risk and economically disadvantaged students.
• EngageNY, a website with instructional materials and resources to support educators with professional learning tools and resources. Materials on EngageNY are considered OER and can be used, re-used, and modified.