Understanding and Applying Standards in a Nutshell

During the last few weeks, we have been delving into the process of developing units and lesson plans that are founded in educational standards. This can be -- no, IS -- a daunting task at the outset
However, when the approaches of unpacking a standard, backwards mapping, and writing objectives are utilized in a systematic approach, it all begins to make much more sense, and all the pieces begin to fall into place.

Identifying Standards
The first step is identifying the standards you are to work with. In my case I am teaching iinformation technology and computer skills. There are a number of different sets of standards one may use to address these skill sets. As Computer Skills is not a Core course, there is a lot of variety and freedom in our choice and approach to the subject. I had identified and have used up to three different sets of standards, and had to determine what set was going to be required for our school going forward with our new curriculum. After some discussion about the various options out there, I settled on using the International Society for Technology in Educational (ISTE) standards.

Unpacking Standards
The first step in this process is to break down the standard, or unpack it, into meaningful, bite-sized chunks. By first identifying the key verbs and nouns in the standard and its' objectives, it becomes easier to identify the key concepts and competencies that the standard actually addresses.
This was very powerful as it transforms the idea expressed into easily stated, specific steps and processes that can be addressed, one by one, in simple specifically designed lessons.

Backwards Mapping 
This technique, called Backwards Mapping is very helpful method for ensuring that units and lessons will lead to the desired end result. The idea is to first identify the end produce you would like students to produce -- a presentation, a report, a model, website, or other project. Then, identify the objectives to be met in producing the end product and then develop lessons based on meeting those objectives. This method helps to keep the focus of each lesson pointed in the right direction, so that ultimately, they are like building blocks towards the end product.

SMART and SWBAT Way to Write Objectives

Once you have identified the end produce and "backward mapped" from there, to identify the specific objectives you'd like to meet with a particular activity, the next step is to break those objectives down in to easily digestible parts, each one delivered in a strategically planned and accessible lesson. 

Objectives need to be SMART, both literally and figuratively speaking, in that they should be;

• Specific
• Measurable or observable
• Attainable for the audience
• Relevant and results oriented
• Target to learner and desired level of learning

A great tool that can help one to meet these criteria is to use the following acronym SWBOT, as a guideline. This stands for:

Students Will Be Able To...

By using this guideline, one can more easily frame ones objectives so that they meet the SMART criteria for specific measurable and attainable objectives that are relevant to and targeted to the learner's desired level of learning.

Taken together, these three basic methods for developing units and the lessons within them, provide an unshakable foundation for building a solid educational experience for our students.