A Backwards Planning Model in the Classroom.

 Have you adopted Farrel's backwards planning model as a teacher in planning lessons? Does it help align written curriculum, taught curriculum and assessment? Why and why not? Think about the indicators that matter most to you - how do you plan to evaluate the classroom culture and teaching effectiveness in the future? 


    I do see myself using Farrel's backwards planning model in correlation to the forward model of planning. I personally include pre and post assessments when it comes to my planning. In the math classes that I teach, I also plan for students to review and practice previously taught standards throughout the year. It is this reviewing of standards and how we have progressed them on to other math skills, that I see myself using the more holistic approach that Farrel's model allows for. I have found this constant review to help students finesse their standards taught from previous grades, as well as their current grade. All of my lesson plans are aligned to the written curriculum requirement for Oklahoma, and I use the taught curriculum and assessments to further understand each individual students needs during our independent practice.

    I am personally very confident in using this model in my math classes. I can see how the processes are applied. When it comes to my language class, I struggle to apply the backwards model as a teacher, and for my science classes - I am somewhere in the middle. 

    I do also believe that this year being a pandemic year has really changed the way a backwards model looks. Teachers have to try to keep their students as safe as possible with the given parameter's and CDC guidelines of what is mostly impossibilities. My district has allowed families to pick online or in-person learning. I currently teach 42 students - 5 of those are "virtual learners". We are not allowed to differentiate materials from online or in-person students. This makes it very difficult as well to manage student lead instruction, or even the use of manipulatives to demonstrate standards. With all that said, this year has been a huge learning year for our students, as well as our teachers. 

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