What is backward design and how is it used in Task 1?

• A. Backward design starts with the standard or learning target and designs assessments first, then planning instructional activities to ensure evidence of learning meets the target.
• B. Start with activities then find standards.
• C. Design assessments randomly.
• D. Focus only on student preferences.

Answer: (A)

Backward design begins with identifying the learning targets in standards, then designing assessments that will reveal whether those targets are met, and only then planning the instructional experiences that will help students achieve those targets. In Task 1, this approach ensures there is clear alignment among what students should learn, how their learning will be evidenced, and the activities and supports that will lead to that mastery. For example, you would select a standards-based assessment or performance task as the evidence of learning, then craft lessons and prompts that build the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed on that assessment. This keeps instruction purposeful and ensures the gathered evidence directly reflects the targeted outcomes, rather than starting with activities or relying on unfocused or random assessments.