Understanding by Design (UbD) Template
This understanding by design template is a three-page backward design unit plan. It follows the three stages of backward design described by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in Understanding by Design: desired results, assessment evidence and the learning plan.
- Grade Level
- Grades 1 to 12
- Pages
- 3
- Formats
- PDF, Google Docs, Word
- Paper Size
- US Letter and A4
- Checked By
- Milo, Classroom Teacher
- Last Updated
- October 2026
Understanding by Design (UbD) Template Example
Stage 1 of an 8th grade argument writing unit, planned from the transfer goal down.
What's in the Understanding by Design (UbD) Template
Stage 1: Desired Results
Boxes for goals, transfer, understandings, essential questions, knowledge and skills.
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
A performance task planner, evaluative criteria, other evidence and self-assessment.
Stage 3: Learning Plan
A day-by-day table with T, M and A coding, plus differentiation and resources.
Editable Versions
Type into the Word, Google Docs or PDF file, or print it to fill in by hand.
How to Plan a Unit Backward
Start with the Goals
On page one, list the standards, then write what students will do on their own with the learning.
Write Understandings and Questions
Complete the sentences about what students will understand, then add the essential questions.
Name the Knowledge and Skills
List what students will know and be able to do, so the later stages have a clear target.
Design the Evidence
On page two, plan the performance task with a goal, role, audience and situation, and write the criteria.
Plan Learning Last
On page three, code each learning event T, M or A by the Stage 1 goal it serves, day by day.
Understanding by Design Questions
More Unit and Curriculum Plan Templates
All 9 Unit and Curriculum Plan Templates
Other Templates
Map the Whole Unit in EMStudio
Units, lessons and standards in one planner that carries over to next year. Free to start.
Get Started for Free