Why Backward Design?

Backward Design Stages

Action steps to refocus the conversation and re-vision an ELA  program.

Stage 1: Identify Desired Results

What “enduring” understandings are desired?

What should students know, understand, and be able to

     do?

What is worth understanding?

Stage 2: Determine Acceptable

               Evidence of Learning

How will we know if students have achieved the desired results and met the standards?  What will we accept as evidence of student understanding and proficiency?

Stage 3: Design Learning Experiences

              & Instruction

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__Set the vision.  Focus on the big ideas.

__Create a shared vision.

__Departmental activities to focus on:

     __Enduring Understandings

     __Standards (national, state, district)

     __Essential Questions

__Determine how students demonstrate

     their knowledge.

__Focus on assessment before designing

    the learning activities.

__Expand the assessment continuum.

__Plan instructional activities.

__Share best practice.

__Build in collaboration.

__Ensure success for all learners.

“I always know where I’m going as I teach, because I’ve already been there in my planning process.”

                                ----Stacy Irvin, Highland Middle math teacher