Good projects don't just happen, but are based on important design criteria that support the success of the project. Using criteria helps you carefully structure the project for success. They also help you avoid a common pitfall of projects: creating activity-based teaching strategies that are often called a ‘project’ but lack a driving question and powerful assessments that bring a clear problem-solving focus to a project.

Meet standards?
Engage students?
Focus on essential understanding?
Encourage higher-level thinking?
Teach literacy and reinforce basic skills?
Allow all students to succeed?
Use clear, precise assessments?
Require the sensible use of technology?
Address authentic issues?

A rubric can also help distinguish the quality of your project planning. Use the project rubric to examine and discuss your project with colleagues.

Review the Project Planning Form available on this site and designed to assist you in outlining your project through each step of the planning process.