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Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind is a groundbreaking course series that offers educators a comprehensive understanding of 'rigor' in education. Beginning with a pre-assessment and debunking common myths about rigor, the series progresses to defining rigor within an educational context and thoroughly explores the subject of alignment and its implications for different disciplines, including social studies. The concept of backward design is introduced as an effective strategy for enhancing rigor, coupled with its practical applications in lesson planning. The series culminates in a focus on devising a year-long plan aimed at fostering a rigorous and engaging curriculum. Combining theory with practical tools and reflective exercises, this course series empowers educators to cultivate an enriched, rigorous learning environment.


Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Extension: Creating High Expectations
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 1: A Broad View of Rigor
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 2: Learning at High Levels
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 3: Planning for Daily Instruction


Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind is a groundbreaking course series that offers educators a comprehensive understanding of 'rigor' in education. Beginning with a pre-assessment and debunking common myths about rigor, the series progresses to defining rigor within an educational context and thoroughly explores the subject of alignment and its implications for different disciplines, including social studies. The concept of backward design is introduced as an effective strategy for enhancing rigor, coupled with its practical applications in lesson planning. The series culminates in a focus on devising a year-long plan aimed at fostering a rigorous and engaging curriculum. Combining theory with practical tools and reflective exercises, this course series empowers educators to cultivate an enriched, rigorous learning environment.


Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Extension: Creating High Expectations
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 1: A Broad View of Rigor
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 2: Learning at High Levels
Instructional Design with Rigor in Mind, Part 3: Planning for Daily Instruction




The University of Texas at Austin GEAR UP

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The University of Texas at Austin GEAR UP.  We are 2017, 2018, and 2022 GEAR UP Partnership grants funded by the Department of Education. We work with fifteen independent school districts in the Greater Austin, San Antonio, and East Texas regions and strive to increase college enrollment and persistence. School districts include Del Valle ISD, East Central ISD, Edgewood ISD, Lockhart ISD, Manor ISD, San Marcos CISD, Somerset ISD, Southwest ISD, Navasota ISD, Livingston ISD, South San Antonio ISD, Southside ISD, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, Lufkin ISD, Jasper ISD, and Port Arthur ISD.