BCPS - Applying UbD: Before & After

Make a paragraph long post that briefly describes the unit (or series of lessons) as it was
BEFORE applying the UbD process. Include the purpose, a few activities, and any assessments.
Then tell us how the unit (or series of lessons) was improved AFTER revising it using the UbD
process. Tell us what changed and why. What was added, modified, or removed? Finally, tell us
how the Understanding by Design process makes the process of lesson design better and/or
more learner-centered.

I chose to modify a portion of the grade 5 unit 4 curriculum, specifically lessons 6-9. The
purpose of the lessons is to develop an understanding of theme and tone and how illustrations
contribute to these two elements of a story. Before applying the UbD process, the activities proposed
in the lesson were procedural and were less than engaging. Students were assessed through long
written responses in each lesson. After revising the series of lesson using the UbD process, students'
learning will be much more enhanced. I decided to incorporate more collaborative work and
engaging formative assessments so I can quickly assess students' understanding throughout the
lesson. I improved the checkpoint of the unit by increasing the rigor and focusing the assignment on
the targeted standards. Using the UbD process helped me to better focus my lesson planning on the
end goal and the standards and goals that my students need to achieve. It allowed me to remove the
unnecessary components of lessons and better assess my students learning regarding targeted
standards.