Carefully planned units are essential for students to learn at higher levels. In order to better meet our students' needs we are designing unit plans with the following format and stages of development. There is a wealth of information available by following the links. During the school year the teacher submits his/her completed unit plans to the coordinator for publication on our intranet.

OVERVIEW:

Brief description of unit goals. Explanation includes the context, significance and theme of the unit.

STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS:

List of the specific standards and benchmarks targeted in the unit. Identify the benchmarks as declarative if they reflect what the students should know or procedural if they reflect what students should be able to do at the end of this unit. You can also include the lifelong standards you will focus on.

GUIDING QUESTIONS:

(OPTIONAL): Questions that reflect the key standards and benchmarks in students’ language. They are few in number and serve as an umbrella-like organizer that defines the essence of the unit.

ASSESSMENT:

The collection of evidence over time that demonstrates understanding and application of the standards and benchmarks. Standards and benchmarks are identified for each assessment. A complex reasoning skill is identified in the performance task/assessment. Include the rubrics you use to evaluate the performance tasks.

STRATEGIES:

Learning experiences provided to students. They are linked to the standards and benchmarks and incorporate the essential agreements.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND RESOURCES:

Materials needed by teachers and students to complete the unit.

REFLECTIONS:

Teacher reflections on ways in which the unit might be improved, polished or enhanced. Student perspectives might be included.

Escuela Campo Alegre (1998). ECA curriculum models packet. Principal's Training Center, Miami, FL. pp. 6-7.

Posner, G. & Rudnitsky, A. (1994), Course design: A guide to curriculum development for teachers: West Plains, NY: Longman Publishing Group, pp. 2-3, 5, 19-22, 32-45, 51-64, 164, 179-181.