Eric Hirsch, the founding CEO of EdReports, has announced he will step down from his position at the end of the current school year. Since its establishment in 2014, the nonprofit organization has become a significant influence in how U.S. school districts select instructional materials, operating with a model similar to Consumer Reports for K-12 curricula.
Hirsch’s departure marks a period of transition for the organization as it navigates evolving educational standards, criticism over its review processes, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The board will begin a search for his successor to lead the organization into its next phase.
Key Takeaways
- Eric Hirsch, who has led EdReports since its inception in 2014, will leave his CEO role at the conclusion of the school year.
- EdReports has reviewed more than 1,100 educational programs, becoming a primary resource for states and school districts choosing new curricula.
- The leadership change occurs as the organization adapts its review criteria, addressing feedback on topics like the science of reading.
- Future challenges for EdReports include addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on curriculum and improving the connection between materials and teacher training.
A Decade of Influence on School Curricula
When Eric Hirsch helped launch EdReports in 2014, the goal was to bring transparency to the often unclear industry of educational publishing. He envisioned an independent body that would empower educators with clear, evidence-based reviews of instructional materials. Hirsch, who began his career as a state policy analyst, wanted to elevate the role of teachers in curriculum decisions.
The organization’s initial efforts were met with resistance. Hirsch recalled receiving “nasty letters” from publishers who were unaccustomed to such public scrutiny. However, EdReports persisted with its mission.
Over the past decade, the nonprofit has published more than 1,100 reviews, and its green, yellow, and red ratings have become a trusted guide for many school districts nationwide. Many states now advise their districts to consult EdReports reviews when considering new textbook adoptions.
“One of the things about … leading something as big, impactful and important as EdReports is this is an idea that’s bigger than me. It’s about the impact we’ve had,” Hirsch stated. “It’s just time for me not to be the one doing that job.”
Navigating Criticism and Evolving Standards
As EdReports grew in influence, it also faced increased criticism. Some education experts argued that its review process was too slow to incorporate the principles of the science of reading, a body of research on how children learn to read. Critics pointed out that some programs receiving high ratings still contained practices like three-cueing, which encourages students to guess words from context or pictures.
In response to this feedback, the organization has made adjustments. Courtney Allison, EdReports’ chief academic officer, acknowledged the need to adapt. “I think we’ve caught up in terms of the criteria,” she said. Last November, EdReports updated its review process to place a stronger emphasis on phonics, fluency, and phonemic awareness.
Other critics have suggested that the organization places too much emphasis on alignment with the Common Core State Standards. While Hirsch has acknowledged these concerns, the organization maintains that standards alignment remains a crucial component of quality materials.
Expansion into Early Childhood Education
In June, EdReports expanded its scope to include the review of pre-K materials. This move was influenced by a 2024 National Academies report which found that curricula for 3- and 4-year-olds often lacked rigor and failed to adequately support multilingual learners.
The Shifting Landscape of Curriculum Review
EdReports is no longer the only organization in this space. Groups like The Reading League and the Curriculum Insight Project have emerged, offering alternative review processes and guidance for districts. Hirsch said he does not view these organizations as competitors but rather as partners in the broader mission of improving instructional quality.
Allison noted that while more information can be helpful, it also creates a risk. She expressed concern that an abundance of information could create so much “noise” that district leaders might feel overwhelmed and abandon a systematic approach to curriculum selection.
Devon Gadow, a partner at the nonprofit consulting firm TNTP, praised Hirsch's leadership. She stated that his “singular focus” on the connection between curriculum and standards “allowed states and educators to demand better quality materials.”
Looking Ahead: AI and Effective Implementation
The next leader of EdReports will face a new set of challenges. According to Gadow, a key consideration for the future is the intersection of artificial intelligence and curriculum. She believes the new CEO must understand how AI can function as both a real-time learning assistant for students and a tool to help teachers adapt lessons for students with diverse learning needs.
The Implementation Gap
A six-year study from the Rand Corp. highlighted a significant gap between curriculum adoption and classroom practice. The research found a frequent mismatch between the chosen curriculum, teacher training, and assessments, leading to inconsistent implementation.
Another critical issue is ensuring that high-quality materials are used effectively. Research shows that simply adopting a top-rated curriculum does not guarantee improved student achievement. David Steiner of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy has written that teachers often “water it down” to match what they perceive as their students’ level.
An EdReports survey from last month revealed that most school districts do not pilot materials before a district-wide adoption and lack a process to measure the effectiveness of their chosen curricula after implementation.
These findings point to the next frontier for the organization. “Why hasn’t the needle moved on student achievement more?” Hirsch asked. “We’re starting to think the next decade has some really important questions that build off all we’ve done.”