Backwards Planning

The best way to finish is to start at the end

One proven method for organizing curriculum over the course of the year is called Backwards Mapping (based on the work of Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe). They propose that we begin planning with the end product--what students should know and be able to do at the end of a lesson or unit. Backwards mapping or backwards design is a process used by teachers to create assessments and learning experiences to help students meet goals or standards. In this process, the teacher begins at the end--what is the desired result (i.e., the goals or standards that students should accomplish). The second step is to determine how you will know students are meeting the goal or standard (i.e., assessment). The third step is to plan the learning experiences or activities that will help students meet the goal or standard. With the Standard Unpacked, the next step is to backwards plan the unit.