In Understanding by Design, which stage defines assessments and performance tasks to show learning?

• A. Stage 4 Implementation.
• B. Stage 1 Desired Results identifies standards and learning goals.
• C. Stage 3 Learning Plan designs activities and lessons to achieve the goals.
• D. Stage 2 Evidence defines assessments and performance tasks to show learning.

Answer: (D)

Understanding by Design uses backward design: you start with the outcomes, then decide how you’ll show that learning, and finally plan the learning experiences that lead there. The stage that defines assessments and performance tasks to show learning is the one that outlines the evidence needed to demonstrate what students know and can do. It specifies the tests, projects, performances, rubrics, and other tasks you'll use to collect that evidence and confirms they align with the standards and goals from the first stage. This focus on evidence ensures the activities you later plan truly reveal whether students have achieved the intended results. The other stages operate in service of that aim: Stage 1 sets the standards and goals, Stage 3 designs the learning experiences to reach them, and Stage 4 (implementation) covers delivering and adjusting instruction in practice.