Making the Most of Understanding by Design

Thousands of educators worldwide are already using Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe’s Understanding by Design (UbD) as a framework for designing curriculum units, performance assessments, and instruction that lead students to deep understanding of content.

This book, based on data gathered from surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, reflects what educators have learned about effective UbD implementation and explores how schools and districts can leverage UbD principles to improve student achievement, staff performance, and organizational productivity. Educators who have used the UbD framework for several years in various school settings present advice, strategies, and processes for using Understanding by Design to

* Design purposeful, coherent curricula
* Deliver instruction that promotes understanding for all
* Unpack district standards
* Expand assessment repertoires
* Create meaningful and effective professional development and teacher-induction programs
* Sustain a successful process of continuous improvement and strategic planning.

Each chapter concludes with organization-focused assessment questionnaires and related resources that can help you—as an individual or as a member of a study group or action research team—develop a clear, strategic sense of how to make the most of Understanding by Design as a catalyst for real learning, increased student achievement, and school and district renewal.

John L. Brown is an educational consultant for ASCD, where he works with product and professional development and serves as a member of the national training cadres for Understanding by Design and What Works in Schools.