Backwards Design

Our assignment this week was to rave about an aspect of backwards design that you love. Backwards design is the only way I have ever planned. Going through college, all of my professors had us use this backwards design approach to planning. One of the things I really feel is beneficial is the assessment piece. By having a clear idea of what will be assessed really strengthens the lessons that I teach. It also allows me to find quality intervention materials for trickier lessons. Since I have always used a backwards design to lesson planning, I have not noticed a change in my students. I feel that they do exceptionally well on teacher made and curriculum tests. Honestly, if teachers aren't using a backwards design approach, what are they doing?!?!?!