INITIATIVES - Teaching for Understanding

Enduring Understanding:

• Planning instruction with the end in mind organizes the teaching and learning process to produce deep, multifaceted understanding in students.

Essential Question:

• How does starting with the end in mind impact teaching and learning?

What is Teaching for Understanding?
It is our responsibility to ensure that each student in every classroom is engaged daily in learning as defined by GLEs and guided by evidence of student learning. To reach that goal, we must provide the opportunity for students to participate in rigorous learning experiences to gain deep understanding instead of superficial coverage of the curriculum.

Our implementation of the Understanding by Design principles provide a clear and thorough framework for teacher planning and performance assessment that will help us reach these goals. The framework has been nationally researched and developed by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe and is based upon the findings in How People Learn from the National Research Council. UbD focuses on the design of units to engage students in exploring and deepening their understandings of important ideas. Begin with the end in mind so that lesson activities are aligned with the grade level expectations.

What is the "20-hour UbD training" and who is expected to participate in the training?
All instructional staff are expected to take the 20-hour Understanding by Design training. This means that teachers, coaches, school administrators and educational support personnel are expected to participate in the training. One or more on-site Teaching and Learning Cadre trainer will provide the training for school staffs. An abbreviated training is provided for other support staff, such as counselors, psychologists, occupational therapists, etc., by central staff facilitators. However, since many schools are planning to provide training within the school day, specialists are encouraged to join school trainings to enhance collaborative relationships.

What is the Teaching and Learning Cadre?
The Teaching and Learning Cadre is a group of 90 teachers, coaches and facilitators who provide UbD training. The trainers are site-based and have participated in 100+ hours of training. Instructional leaders, who also support other district initiatives, receive ongoing training in instruction, curriculum and adult learning.

Who are the Teaching and Learning Cadre Members?
All Teaching and Learning Cadre Members