Planning
This 2-word planning method starts with the "end in mind" by identifying goals before activities
Backward Design
A scoring guide that outlines specific criteria for evaluating student performance to ensure grading is fair
Rubric
This framework emphasizes clear goals and flexible methods to make everyone an "expert learner."
Universal Design for Learning / UDL
This student-centered approach connects a student's lived experience and heritage to their learning.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
The "Big Picture" overview of the plan for instruction and the dates things should happen.
Scope and Sequence
This acronym (Stage 3) helps teachers ensure their unit plan is engaging and effective for all students.
WHERETO (Where, Hook, Equip, Rethink, Evaluate, Tailor, Organize)
These are "low-stakes" assessments used during instruction to check for understanding and adjust teaching.
Formative Assessments
This legally binding document outlines exactly what special education services a specific student will receive.
IEP - Individualized Education Program
This is the most important characteristic to build with students to ensure they feel safe and ready to learn.
Relationships
The version of the curriculum that exists on paper, usually based on state standards.
Written Curriculum
A common mistake in planning where a teacher tries to "get through the textbook" rather than ensuring deep understanding.
Coverage
A final exam or a major unit project given at the end of learning to evaluate overall mastery.
Summative Assessment
These are changes in how a student learns (like extra time) without changing the difficulty of the content
Accommodations
Teachers value these specific parts of a student's identity to enhance the learning environment.
Cultural Backgrounds
What a teacher actually does in the classroom based on their own knowledge and style.
Taught Curriculum
This daily instructional tool maps out exactly what students need to learn and how it will be implemented in one class period.
Lesson Plan
This type of assessment item requires a student to "build" their own answer (like an essay) rather than picking one from a list.
Constructed Response
These are changes in what a student is expected to learn (like simpler reading material) because of a disability.
Modifications
This federal law (abbreviated) sets the framework for all special education services in the United States.
IDEA
The "transfer value" ideas that are key to understanding a topic across different subjects.
Big Ideas
These goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
SMART Goals
This grading style focuses on academic performance and growth rather than penalizing students for failing early in a unit.
Standards-Based Grading
Saying "a student with autism" instead of "an autistic student" is an example of using this respectful terminology.
People-First Language
This is the systematic process of reviewing qualitative and quantitative info to improve student growth.
Data Analysis
A curriculum that is well-organized, intentionally designed, and aligned across all grade levels
Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum