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In this episode, we sit down with one of the most influential thinkers in modern education—Jay McTighe, co-author of the landmark Understanding by Design framework. With more than 5 decades in the field, Jay has shaped the way educators around the globe think about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

From his early work in gifted education to co-authoring with Grant Wiggins, Jay shares how his experiences continue to fuel his passion for authentic, student-centered learning. Together, the hosts and Jay explore the lasting impact of Understanding by Design (UbD), the importance of backward planning, and why teaching for transfer is more critical now than ever before.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Jay’s Journey in Education: From classroom teacher to state-level leader to international author and consultant.
• The Origins of UbD: How a partnership with Grant Wiggins reshaped curriculum planning worldwide.
• Why UbD Endures: Understanding and transfer as timeless goals for student learning.
• The “Three Sins” of Curriculum Planning.
• Backward Design in Action: Clarity of goals, alignment of assessments, and purposeful instruction.
• Relevance Today: Why transfer and authentic assessment matter in a world of rapid change, AI, and unforeseen challenges like COVID.
  

Resources:

https://jaymctighe.com/

Understanding by Design (UbD) – by Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe
Leading Modern Learning – by Jay McTighe
Assessing Student Learning by Design – by Jay McTighe