In 2006, Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe introduced the groundbreaking educational framework known as "Understanding by Design" (UbD), offering educators a comprehensive methodology for crafting lessons and activities that foster deep understanding and academic excellence among students. This innovative approach has since become an indispensable tool for teachers across various disciplines, as it empowers them to enhance their instructional strategies through a process called "backwards design."

At its core, UbD encourages educators to approach lesson planning by first identifying the ultimate learning goals and outcomes they want their students to achieve. In essence, it asks teachers to envision the destination of the educational journey before mapping out the specific route to get there. By doing so, instructors gain a holistic perspective on their teaching objectives, which allows for the creation of more effective and purposeful learning experiences.

One striking feature of UbD is its adaptability to virtually any subject matter. Whether teaching mathematics, literature, science, or in this case, visual arts, the UbD framework can be seamlessly applied to tailor lessons and activities that align with specific curriculum standards and desired learning outcomes.

As an illustration of its versatility, consider the template provided below, which has been thoughtfully populated with the Colorado Visual Arts Standards for the year 2022. While originally designed with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts Year 1 course in mind, this template can readily be customized to suit the needs of any visual arts class. It serves as a valuable starting point for instructors seeking to implement UbD principles in their curriculum development, offering a structured framework that guides the thoughtful design of lessons, assessments, and activities to ensure student success.

Feel free to utilize and adapt this template as you see fit, as it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe's UbD framework in shaping contemporary education and fostering deep understanding among students in a wide range of disciplines.