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Recognition and Reviews

Independent organizations and state agencies rigorously review our social studies and science programs, ensuring TCI meets the highest standards.

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Reviewed by Independent Organizations

TCI's commitment to quality is confirmed by independent, third-party reviews. Leading organizations evaluate our programs to ensure they meet the needs of teachers and students across the country.

American Institutes for Research, Curriculum Quality Review

Reviewers found predominantly strong alignment across all three courses and all four review criteria.

Reviewers rated each course against 15 indicators covering social studies practices, representation and perspective, usability and instructional supports, and assessment practices. Reviewers found strong to very strong evidence of quality across all three courses and all four review criteria.

Read the Executive Summary
Executive summary of the American Institutes for Research curriculum review of Teachers Curriculum Institute courses.

Learning List

Learning List provides independent reviews of K–12 instructional materials and online courses. To view Learning List's professional reviews and alignment reports for our products, go to LearningList.com.

Read the Summary for TCI's K-5 Social Studies Programs Read the Summary for TCI's 6-8 Social Studies Programs Read the Summary for TCI's 9-12 Social Studies Programs Read the Summary for TCI's K-5 Science Programs
Reviewed by LearningList.com, a resource review service by and for educators.

Landscape Evaluations

TCI participates in national landscape reports and state-level evaluations to demonstrate that our programs are high-quality, research-based, and standards-aligned.

Social Studies Curriculum Review Landscape – American Institutes for Research

TCI is recognized by the American Institutes for Research as one of the core social studies curriculum providers used nationwide, reflecting our presence and adoption in classrooms across the country.

Explore the Report

Evaluated Quality and Standards – Massachusetts Department of Education

TCI's social studies programs are featured in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) K–12 History Social Science Curricular Materials Guide. The guide highlights TCI's well-organized resources, flexible lesson options, and effective supports for diverse learners.

Explore the Guide
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Recent State Approvals and Recommendations

TCI submits our programs for official state review and approval to make sure we meet local requirements and provide the support educators need. Explore recent approvals and recommendations.

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Hawai'i Social Studies and Science Recommendation

TCI's social studies and science programs are included on the Hawai'i State Department of Education's recommendation list of high-quality instructional materials.

Review the Recommendations List
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Oregon Social Studies Adoption

TCI's K–12 Social Studies programs are now approved statewide. Our high-quality curriculum meets Oregon's standards and supports inquiry, analysis, and civic engagement.

Explore the Adoptions List
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Idaho Science Adoption

TCI's K–8 Science programs have been approved in Idaho and align closely with Idaho Content Standards for Science, helping students build strong science skills.

Explore the Adoptions List
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Mississippi Social Studies Adoption

Mississippi reviewers recognized TCI's high-quality K–12 Social Studies programs for fostering critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and active engagement. Our materials adapt to local needs by integrating Mississippi history, standards, and district goals.

Explore the K-6 and 7-12 Reports
ISTE Seal

ISTE-Certified Programs

The ISTE Seal serves as a mark of high-quality product design for solutions that enable and guide high-quality learning. ISTE awards a seal only after an extensive analysis conducted by trained ISTE reviewers that ensures a product meets all critical elements under specific review criteria. By earning the ISTE Seal, ISTE verifies that TCI's programs:

  • Promote critical technology skills.

  • Support the use of technology in appropriate ways.

  • Incorporate digital pedagogy and the learning sciences.

  • Address key elements of tech usability, user experience and user interface.

  • Align to ISTE Standards in specific ways.

View the Review Findings Report
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Industry Membership

EDSAFE AI Industry Council

TCI is a member of the EDSAFE AI Industry Council, joining education and technology companies committed to AI that is safe, accountable, fair, and effective.

Read about TCI's Approach to AI
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Evidence Base

Research and ESSA Evidence

TCI's social studies programs are built on a research-based instructional approach designed to keep students focused, motivated, and ready to learn. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) asks districts to select evidence-based instructional materials, and TCI's K–12 social studies programs meet its Tier 4 criteria. The logic model shows how.

Research on instructional materials is never finished. TCI continues to submit its programs for independent review, examine outcomes in districts that use them, gather success stories from teachers and districts, and seek new research partnerships.

Explore TCI's logic model
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What TCI Looks Like in Classrooms

Hear from the educators using TCI every day.

"My students love it and I love that they are engaged and interacting with the information in a meaningful way."
Stephanie Benton John Muir Middle School | CA
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“I noticed that my students were excited to come to class more than ever before. They were making connections, thinking critically, and taking ownership of their learning.”
“I really see their critical thinking skills skyrocket during the ancient Sumerians activity and throughout the school year.”
“TCI has completely changed the way we approach the subject, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”
"TCI is Hazelwood School District’s primary source for social studies texts, materials, and electronic resources. We have used TCI products since 1998 and continue to adopt new TCI programs as they…
Barbara Easley Hazelwood School District | Florissant, MO
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View Our Stories