Instructional Materials

Instructional materials play a central role in shaping classroom experiences and student learning. In Nebraska, ensuring access to high-quality, aligned, and sustainable materials is a core part of the statewide support system designed to serve every district.

Through Nebraska statute, Educational Service Units (ESUs) are tasked with providing instructional materials services as a primary responsibility. The ESU Coordinating Council (ESUCC) coordinates this work statewide, ensuring it is delivered consistently, efficiently, and in ways that reflect the needs of Nebraska schools.

This work exists to:

• Expand access to high-quality instructional materials across Nebraska schools
• Support informed selection and implementation of materials
• Ensure alignment to required areas of instruction and best practices
• Promote consistency and sustainability through coordinated systems

Because ESUs are regionally embedded and closely connected to the schools they serve, they bring both local insight and statewide alignment to this work. The ESUCC brings these efforts together—reducing duplication and building systems that make high-quality instructional materials more accessible and sustainable over time.

Rather than approaching instructional materials as a one-time decision, this work supports schools in developing coherent systems for selecting, using, and sustaining materials over time.

Nebraska schools access instructional materials through a combination of:

• District-level purchasing and adoption processes
• State-supported programs and initiatives
• Open educational resources

This approach ensures that schools have multiple pathways to access materials that meet their needs.

The Nebraska Textbook Loan Program supports non-public schools in accessing instructional materials aligned to required areas of instruction.

Through a coordinated process involving the Nebraska Department of Education and the ESU Coordinating Council, materials are:

• Purchased using state funds
• Loaned to eligible schools
• Managed through a structured, annual process

Learn More About the Textbook Loan Program

Nebraska supports access to open educational resources through the Nebraska OER Hub, providing:

• Freely available instructional materials
• Resources aligned to Nebraska standards
• Opportunities for adaptation and customization

These resources expand access and support flexible, cost-effective approaches to instructional materials.

Explore the Nebraska OER Commons Hub