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On this page are:
DYS Program of Studies
links to and explanations of foundational curriculum resources and expectations for their use
strategies to support instruction
information about how to request curriculum
Foundational Resources:
Expectations for Use
Foundational Resources:
Expectations for Use
We are committed to providing educators and youth with high quality curricular resources that support careful planning and engaging instruction. We select curriculum resources that support youth identity development, voice, and agency so that youth can see themselves, their race, cultures, and lived experiences in the stories and topics they study. We fully embrace the critical need to personalize instruction for each youth. We encourage reflection on planning and instruction centering students' histories, experiences, and perspectives so that all learners feel valued in who they are and what they can become.
The high quality curricular resources below have been carefully and intentionally selected for use in the DYS classroom with our students. Teachers are expected to integrate these resources into planning and instruction with consistency across DYS programs statewide. We consider these resources as foundational to supporting the Criteria for Instructional Planning in DYS and the Criteria for Decolonizing Curriculum in DYS.
If you have any questions regarding the resources listed on this page, please reach out to your Instructional and/or Instructional Technology Coach.
NOTE re: curriculum inventory
ALL curriculum provided to programs should remain with the program if there are staff changes. No educator or staff person should move curriculum from program to program.
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDES
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDES
The DYS Instructional Guides for ELA, Mathematics, Science, History and Social Sciences ground instruction in the DYS setting. These Instructional Guides provide scopes and sequences for each core content area and include model instructional plans designed to guide instruction in both short- and long-term settings. The newly added 2024 Health and Physical Education Instructional Guide is aligned to the recently published Massachusetts Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Frameworks.
It is expected that teachers reference these Guides, specifically the Massachusetts standards-aligned scopes and sequences when planning core content instruction for students in the DYS setting. Scopes and sequences should be followed so that students can transition smoothly back to their sending districts.
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
Core Literature selections are reflected in the ELA scope and sequence found in the ELA Instructional Guide and additional options are available upon request (see Curriculum Requests below). Approved culturally responsive, high interest texts that are aligned with the ELA scope and sequence may be supplemented for core literature and informational text selections. Both reading and writing expectations found in the ELA Scope and Sequence should be followed. If you are seeking approval to teach a text selection not listed in the ELA scope and sequence, please see Curriculum Requests below. Other text selections can be supplemented for the ELA scope and sequence if they align with the season and have approval from the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment using the Curriculum Approval Process.
Annually, high interest texts are selected using a social justice and equity lens to ensure that youth are seeing themselves and the richness of their race, culture, social identities, interests, and lived experiences in the literature and informational texts they read. The 2025 High Interest book list featuring texts that students requested can be found here.
Mathematics
Mathematics
Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
You will find hard copies of these texts in your programs. If you do not, and you prefer a hard copy, please complete the Replacement of Approved Curriculum Request found at the bottom of this page.
Algebra I: It is expected that teachers use the content and resources from the SAVVAS enVision Algebra 1 text for planning and instruction. This text is recognized as High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for Algebra I by MA DESE and Ed Reports. IMPORTANT: Teachers will continue to have the flexibility to plan engaging instructional plans and projects but the SAVVAS Algebra 1 content should be foundational to the instructional planning process.
Geometry: The core text and digital resources for teaching Geometry is Savvas enVision Geometry.
Algebra II: The core text and digital resources for Algebra II is Savvas Algebra II Common Core. Please see the 2025-2026 Technology Resource Chart for guidance on how to access the digital Savvas Realize platform.
ALEKS Math (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces)
ALEKS Math (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces)
ALEKS Math should be integrated into math instruction a minimum of three times per week for a minimum of 20 minutes per session for those students who may benefit from targeted instruction using this resource.
ALEKS Math should be used as part of the workshop model; please refer to this guidance document for examples of how to incorporate it into the curriculum.
ALEKS Math is a digital software program designed to personalize instruction and support accelerated, “just in time” learning for youth studying mathematics at the secondary and postsecondary levels. It is available to youth in all programs. Research shows that the use of ALEKS Math a minimum of three times weekly is effective in helping students to make significant gains in their mathematical understanding and skill development.
History & Social Science
History & Social Science
Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
You will find hard copies of two of the texts below in your programs. If you do not, and you prefer a hard copy, please complete the Replacement of Approved Curriculum Request found at the bottom of this page. Please see the 2024-2025 Technology Resource Chart for guidance on how to access the Savvas platform.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt US History I and II (hard copy; no digital resources)
Savvas World History (hard copy)
Savvas World History (online)
Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, & Math (STEAM)
Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, & Math (STEAM)
Sciences Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
Sciences Textbooks & Accompanying Digital Resources
You will find hard copies of two of the texts below in your programs. If you do not, and you prefer a hard copy, please complete the Replacement of Approved Curriculum Request found at the bottom of this page. Please see the DYS Technology Resource Chart for guidance on how to access the Savvas platform.
Savvas (formerly Pearson) Miller and Levine Biology (includes digital resources)
Savvas Chemistry (includes digital resources)
Savvas Physics (no digital resources)
Important: We use OpenSciEd resources as a core source for curriculum in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. “In OpenSciEd classrooms, students learn science through discovery. The curriculum is phenomena-based and centers on student-led questioning, investigating, and problem-solving, with teachers supporting students as learning facilitators rather than lecturers. This approach fosters a classroom culture where everyone matters and is heard, building unique skills for educators and students and empowering them in their education journey” (OpenSciEd, 2024).
STEAM
STEAM
We offer a cadre of resources that support STEAM instruction in DYS, including learning activities in the Science and Mathematics Instructional Guides and digital resources such as BrainPOP, BreakFree project-based lessons, Tinkercad, 3D printing, Explore Learning, and Savvas Learning digital resources. Teachers are able to plan integrated STEAM units using digital resources that engage youth in STEAM activities. Instructions for accessing these resources can be found in the DYS Technology Resource Chart
Reading
Reading
Reading Class Guidelines, which includes a Reading Class Resources Chart and High Interest Books
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
Teachers will use the DYS Health and Wellness and Physical Education Digital Guide to inform their planning and instruction. For instruction specific to sexual education and healthy relationships, teachers will implement The 3 Rs: Rights, Respect, and Responsibility as the core curriculum.
KEYS TO LITERACY
KEYS TO LITERACY
Keys to Literacy strategies are to be used in all content areas. We offer a multi-pronged approach to Professional Development on how to use Keys To Literacy strategies for planning and instruction. Adolescent Literacy and The Key Comprehension Routine address these topics, strategies and skills.
For help implementing KTL strategies, contact your Instructional Coach.
Critical thinking: for close, analytic reading of both narrative and expository text
Main idea skills: categorizing information and vocabulary, identifying main ideas at the paragraph level, and identifying central ideas in lengthier text
Text structure knowledge: at the sentence, paragraph, and longer text levels
Top-down topic webs: a graphic organizer that represents the major topics and big ideas of any content that is read, said, or done
Two-column notes: a note taking format that supports active reading and listening
Summarizing: students comprehend and synthesize the main ideas from any content that is read, said, or done
Generating questions: students create and answer questions along a continuum of thinking using Bloom’s Taxonomy based on content that is read, said, or done
I, We, You instruction: strategies are taught explicitly through modeling and think aloud, guided practice is provided, and scaffolds are gradually released as students become independent users of the strategies
Cooperative learning: students learn and practice comprehension strategies by working in cooperative pairs or small groups
BLENDED LEARNING
BLENDED LEARNING
DYS teachers are expected to incorporate a blended learning approach so that all students have access to the general education curriculum. Teachers should reach out to their Instructional Technology Coach who can support their use of Google Classroom, software, and a blended learning approach to teaching and learning.
Contact support@collaborative.org to request a teacher or student account. For implementation support, contact Instructional Technology Coach Alex Scalfano.
Core Texts that are embedded with blended learning resources:
Mathematics
Envisions Algebra I
Envisions Geometry
Envision Algebra 2
Science
Biology
Larson Chemistry
Physics
History and Social Science
US History I
Us History II
Pearson World History
BREAKFREE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT-BASED UNITS
BREAKFREE INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT-BASED UNITS
BreakFree partners directly with juvenile justice agencies like ours across the country, providing the resources, training, and networks they need to make school relevant and meaningful. We have a robust partnership with BreakFree Education and we have seen our students engage in and be successful in participating in these relevant and fun learning activities. BreakFree initiatives are integrated and can be woven into the teaching of core content and Future Ready curricula.
NOTE: Teachers are expected to engage students in a minimum of two BreakFree interdisciplinary project-based units per year.
BreakFree Consent Forms: Consent forms stay with the teacher of record and a copy may be sent to Instructional Technology Coach Alex Scalfano.
College and Career Readiness Seminar (CCR, formerly EYF)
College and Career Readiness Seminar (CCR, formerly EYF)
DYS College and Career Readiness teachers will use the College and Career Readiness Scope and Sequence that includes Overcoming Obstacles as the core curriculum for this class. This enables students to research education and career exploration opportunities, practice Future Ready skills necessary for the 21st-century workplace, and hone the skills and mindsets necessary to develop their best possible selves. Using MassHire and other Future Ready activities, students complete a series of personalized projects and presentations that support goal-setting, effective communication, self-direction, accountability, resiliency, and self-advocacy.
The EYF Library can still be used for planning and instruction for the College and Career Readiness Seminar. The EYF units used most often are hyper linked in the College and Career Readiness Scope and Sequence.
Strategies to Support Instruction
Strategies to Support Instruction
Positive Youth Development / Culturally Responsive Practice
Positive Youth Development / Culturally Responsive Practice
Offensive Language/Charged Topics
Offensive Language/Charged Topics
Decolonizing Instruction
Decolonizing Instruction
DESE Deeper Learning Tool
DESE Deeper Learning Tool
DBT Skills Cheat Sheet
DBT Skills Cheat Sheet
Curriculum Requests
Curriculum Requests
Once requests are approved (see below), TCs place orders with WB Mason or Amazon using the program's account. DYS Executive Operations Manager will approve the order and it will be shipped directly to the program. Questions not answered here? Contact your REC or AREC.
Replacement of CES-approved curriculum
Replacement of CES-approved curriculum
These materials include curriculum and supporting materials referred to in the DYS Instructional Guides, as well as core resources such as core content textbooks, Keys to Literacy, etc. These requests do not need to be approved by the A/REC. All requests for replenishment of core content area curriculum resources already used in programs should be directed to the Administrative Coordinator for PD & Curriculum. Please note that it may take time to reorder materials from the publisher.
New Curriculum (not currently in use in programs)
New Curriculum (not currently in use in programs)
age and audience-appropriate for DYS youth (consider potential triggers: violence, gang-related, abuse, trauma, etc.)
on or near grade level
in accordance with grad grid and/or concentration
Send requests to the TC, who will send to the A/REC. A/REC forwards to Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (DCIA), CCing Administrative Coordinator for PD & Curriculum. You can also start the process by selecting, 'Class Set' on this Google Form, which asks for title, author, and audience and potential trigger warnings for each type of request.
Upon approval and prior to instruction, add the instructional plan accompanying the new curriculum to the current planning template folder per regional policy.
New Literature (class sets and individual youth requests)
New Literature (class sets and individual youth requests)
Use this Google Form, which asks for title, author, and audience and potential trigger warnings for each type of request.
Curriculum materials requiring safety procedures
Curriculum materials requiring safety procedures
In some content areas, various resources and instructional materials require that strict safety and security protocols be put in place prior to and during instruction. For these resources, (e.g. science labs, any resources containing small parts, any resource that requires direct instructor oversite, and/or resources that require inventory at the beginning and end of class, follow these steps:
Teacher informs TC of the safety and security details
TC reviews the materials and safety and security details FIRST with the A/REC.
TC reviews the materials and safety and security details with the Program Director.
TC sends the resource to the DCIA for approval.
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