Unpacking Standards in Understanding
by Design

Obtaining and
using feedback

Start small

Work
collaboratively

Think big

Plan to adjust
based on results

Desired
Results

Unpacking
standards

Sharpening
essential
questions and
understandings

Assessment
Evidence

Indentifying
evaluative criteria
for assessments

Learning
Plan

Refining the
lesson plan

Differentiation

r

Differentiation - tailoring the learning plan to the learners

Incorporate mission
related and other
established goals

Implementation

Look at
key verbs

r

Look at key verbs to clarify and highlight valid student performance in which content is used.

Look at
recurring
nouns

r

Look at recurring nouns that signal big ideas.

Identify and
analyze the
key adjectives
and adverbs

r

Identify and analyze the key adjectives and adverbs to determine valid scoring criteria and rubrics related to successful performance against the standards.

Identify and/or
infer the long
term goals

r

Identify and/or infer the long term goals by looking closely at the highest-level standards and indicators for them, or inferring the transfer goal from the content and justification for the standard.

Consider the
standards in
relation to the
long term goal

r

Consider the standards in relation to the long term goal of self performance.

McTighe, J., & Wiggins, G. (2012). Module 1. In The understanding by design guide to advanced concepts in creating and reviewing units. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.