The Essential Questions for Unit and Lesson Development Using the Backward Planning Concept: To assist you in considering the essential questions below, refer to page 121 in The Differentiated Classroom and to the suggested template listed below the questions. Also examine the following Web site for a model of how another school system developed a Web site to support the differentiation of instruction. Montgomery County Public Schools
Unit Development Template: This home grown document is designed to assist you in the development of a unit of study using backward planning and incorporating an approach to differentiated instruction. You may want to print or download the template to use it for taking notes as you proceed through this section of the Study Guide. The tables in the template will expand as you type.
Click to download: ER9 Template for Unit Development
What do we want the student to know and be able to do at the end of the unit?
List the desired results in terms of the appropriate content, processes, and products
List criteria that you will assess using performance tasks, quizzes and tests, and other means of assessment
Conduct pre-assessment strategies to determine levels of readiness, interest, and learning style
What are the examples of evidence that the student will complete to demonstrate competency with the standards and objectives?
List and briefly describe the examples of evidence
State the level of proficiency for each of the examples
List alternative assessments or extensions for students with advanced capabilities
What strategies will you use to assist the students in meeting or exceeding the proficiency levels?
Direct instruction strategies for all students
Alternative direct instruction strategies for challenging students who have advanced understanding or for students who need additional support
Student centered strategies that provide for the individual and group needs of the students in meeting the desired results
Specific alternative or extended strategies that will challenge the more advanced students
Specific support strategies that will support the student who will have difficulty meeting the desired results
How will you determine the success of the unit or lesson in meeting the needs of the students?
Percent of students achieving or exceeding proficiency on assessments results
List formal or informal procedures for obtaining student feedback
Construct a reflection on the success of the unit or lesson and describe areas that you plan to modify the next time you teach the unit or lesson