Planning With the End in Mind
Introduction to the Planning with the End in Mind

Planning with the end in mind ensures that teaching and assessment are intentionally aligned. By starting with clear learning outcomes, teachers design assessment and instruction that accurately reflect curricular intent and support meaningful learning for all students.

This section supports an understanding of:

Clarifying the Learning Destination
Teachers develop a shared and accurate understanding of student learning outcomes. Learning destinations are unpacked through collaboration, exemplars, and student-friendly language so both teachers and students know where learning is headed.

Aligning Assessment and Instruction
Assessment and instructional decisions are guided by the learning outcomes. Teachers intentionally select assessment methods, teaching strategies, and resources that align with the intended learning, ensuring coherence across the learning process.

Designing with Learners in Mind
Teachers consider the strengths, needs, and variability of learners when planning assessment and instruction. Learning experiences are designed to be responsive and inclusive, supporting access, engagement, and success for all students.

The Dimensions of Planning with the End in Mind

Clarifying Learning Outcomes:

Planning for Assessment and Instruction: 

Considering the Needs of the Learners: 

 

Assessment in Action Videos - Planning with the End in Mind
This video series explores the strategic process of Planning with the End in Mind, shifting the focus from simply “covering content” to intentionally designing for student success. By showcasing collaborative practices and classroom examples, these videos demonstrate how to clarify the learning destination, providing both teachers and students with a transparent map of where they are headed. We examine how to align learning outcomes, instructional choices, and assessment methods to ensure every classroom activity is purposeful. Finally, the series highlights how to design with unique learner strengths in mind, creating responsive and inclusive experiences that support every student’s success from the very start.
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In-Depth Study of Planning with the End in Mind

Considering the Needs of the Learner in the Elementary Math Classroom

Teachers across Alberta continue to use instructional approaches that help students build confidence and competence in mathematics. In addition to developing fluency with calculations, students benefit from opportunities to reason, solve problems, and communicate their mathematical thinking. Supporting these goals often involves incorporating modern assessment practices alongside more traditional methods.

This video series highlights how formative assessment can be used in mathematics classrooms to support student learning and deepen understanding.

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Supporting the Needs of Diverse Learners: Choice in Assessment

While differentiated instruction seems to have reached a level of broad acceptance, many still wonder if differentiated assessment is appropriate or even workable. View the following videos and professional learning resources to consider new assessment possibilities for the diverse learners in your classroom.

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AAC Members Only Content

Note: This content area is available to AAC Members Only. Please login or learn more about Membership.

AAC Members Only Content

Note: This content area is available to AAC Members Only. Please login or learn more about Membership.