Online Professional Development
Understanding by Design: Using Backwards Planning
Understanding by Design: Using Backwards Planning 3 Graduate Level Credits
Course Description
This course introduces the idea of backwards planning when it comes to designing a unit. Students have the chance to participate in the process of “Understanding by Design” (UbD) while creating a unit by designing it backwards with the end in mind first. This involves first analyzing the standards and end goals of a unit and then implementing lessons that meet those standards and goals. By using this backwards design process, there is a much higher chance of students achieving mastery of standards in the classroom. This is an online course. Upon registration, your course materials will be emailed to you. Registration Open Year-Round
Starting at
$199
Credits
3 Graduate Credits
*Pricing may not include University Fees. Select an option below to see full cost breakdown.
View Pricing & Register Course Numbers
- Adams State: ED 589
- UMass Global: EDDU 9618
- CSU Pueblo: ED 501
Course Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Students will be able to learn the steps of how to backwards plan a unit of study in their curriculum.
- Students will be able to explain the process of “Understanding by Design” (Ubd) and then backwards plan a unit using the steps of UbD.
- Students will be able to apply their backwards design plan while teaching in the classroom.
- Students will develop skills to reflect on & improve their own teaching practices.
Relevancy to Practice: This course provides educators with the following relevant information to help improve their practice:
- Backwards planning the units of study within your curriculum through the use of the process “Understanding by Design”.
- Starting with the end in mind when planning your units to create a clear path to understanding for your students.
- Analyzing standards and unit end goals first when designing lessons to improve students’ mastery of the content.
- Designing and implementing purposeful lessons that connect to the standards.
- Understanding why backwards planning is more effective at helping students truly understand the content.
- Strategies for incorporating the “Understanding by Design” process, including a summary of key terms as well as backwards design unit templates.
Course Format
100% Online
This is a fully online, self-paced course. All course materials will be emailed to you within 24 hours of registration — no in-person attendance required. There are no set class times or live sessions.
6 Months to Complete
You have up to 6 months from your registration date to complete and submit your coursework. Work at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Self-Paced Learning
No set class times or deadlines within the 6-month window. Complete assignments when it works best for your schedule.
Need help? Contact us today
Want to see what’s inside before you enroll?
Course Syllabus
Understanding by Design: Using Backwards Planning
⚠ University Fee Paid Separately
Adams State University
University fee of $60 per credit is paid directly to Adams State after registration. CFT will send you instructions.
University of Massachusetts Global
University fee of $70/credit per credit is paid directly to UMass Global after registration. CFT will send you instructions.
✓ University Fee Included
Valley City State University
University fee is bundled into the CFT registration price — no separate payment needed.
Colorado State University Pueblo
University fee is included in the CFT registration price. A separate course materials/books fee may be charged by CSU Pueblo.
Continuing Education
No university credit — no university fee. PD hours only.
University fees are subject to change. CFT is not responsible for university fee changes after registration.
Policies
No-Risk Guarantee
You can cancel a course registration within 30 days and receive a 100% refund, no questions asked. Have questions? Contact us today — we are here to help.
Refunds Policy
Students are able to request a full refund of any Credits for Teachers courses within 30 days of registration. In order to do so, please fill out the “Contact Us” form including your full name, the course you registered for and we will complete the refund.
NOTE: Each university partner has their own refund policy that may differ from Credits for Teachers.
Exchange Policy
Students are able to exchange one course for another within 30 days of registration as long as the course price is the same and the student does not change the University Partner. To exchange a course, please fill out the “Contact Us” form including your full name, course you have registered for and the course you would like to switch to.
Transfer Policy
Students that would like to transfer their course from one university partner to another have the opportunity to do so within the first 30 days of registering for a course. To transfer your course, please fill out the “Contact Us” form including your full name, the course you are currently registered for and the new University Partner you’d like to switch to.
Pricing & Registration
Cost Breakdown Per University
Prices vary by university partner. Select the option that works best for your district and career goals.
Have Questions? Contact UsAdams State University
University Fee Paid Separately
$379
Register CFT Registration Fee — Due at Registration$199
Adams State University Fee ($60/credit × 3) — Payable to Adams State$180
Total$379
University of Massachusetts Global
University Fee Paid Separately
$409
Register CFT Registration Fee — Due at Registration$199
UMass Global University Fee ($70/credit × 3) — Payable to UMass Global$210
Total$409
Valley City State University
University Fee Included in Course Fee
$349
Register CFT Registration + VCSU University Fee — All Paid at Registration$349
Total$349
Colorado State University Pueblo
All Fees Included — Course Materials Fee May Apply
🎓 Master's Option $394
Register CFT Registration Fee — Due at Registration$199
CSU Pueblo University Fee ($65/credit × 3) — Included$195
Course Materials/Books FeeVaries — paid to CSU Pueblo
Total (excl. materials)$394
Continuing Education
No university credit
$199
Register CFT Registration Fee$199
University FeeN/A
Total$199
Renew your Registration
$199
Register CFT Registration Fee$199
University FeeN/A
Total$199
University Partnership
Earn a Master's Degree with CSU Pueblo
This course is approved by Colorado State University Pueblo. Stack your graduate credits toward a full Master's degree — one course at a time.
Learn About the Master's Program →$11,764
Total Program Cost
38
Total Credits
18–24 mo
Avg. Time to Complete
Remote
Complete while teaching full-time
Testimonials
What Teachers Are Saying
Google
S
Sarah M.
2 weeks ago
★★★★★
“The course was incredibly practical and immediately applicable to my classroom. The content was well-organized and the instructor feedback was timely and helpful.”
Google
J
James T.
1 month ago
★★★★★
“I’ve taken several CFT courses and they never disappoint. The self-paced format works perfectly with my busy teaching schedule. Highly recommend!”
Google
M
Maria L.
3 weeks ago
★★★★★
“Affordable, flexible, and genuinely useful. I was able to earn graduate credit while implementing new strategies in my classroom at the same time.”
Support
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this course help me implement UbD principles in my specific subject area or grade level? ›
This course guides you through the UbD process by having you apply it directly to a unit you design. This hands-on approach allows you to tailor the backwards planning framework to your unique curriculum and student needs, regardless of subject or grade level.
What kind of support will I receive if I'm new to the Understanding by Design framework? ›
The course is designed to introduce the UbD framework comprehensively, starting with foundational concepts. You'll be guided through each step of the backwards planning process, with opportunities to apply and refine your understanding as you develop your unit.
Will I complete this course with a fully developed unit plan ready for classroom use? ›
Yes, a core component of this course is the creation of a complete unit plan using the Understanding by Design framework. You will actively engage in the backwards planning process to develop a unit that is ready for implementation in your classroom.
Will my district accept these graduate credits? ›
Most school districts accept graduate credits from regionally accredited universities for salary advancement and license renewal. We recommend checking with your HR department or district office to confirm. You can also visit our District Credit Approval page for more information and tips on getting approval.
How long do I have to complete the course? ›
You have up to 6 months to complete the course after registration, allowing you to work at your own pace within that timeframe.
How is the course delivered and when do I receive the materials? ›
The course is fully online, and all materials are emailed to you immediately after registration so you can start right away. There are no set class times — you complete everything on your own schedule.
What are the university fees and how are they paid? ›
University fees vary by partner institution and are paid separately directly to the university after you register with CFT. Visit our University Partners page for a full breakdown of fees for Adams State University, UMass Global, and Valley City State University.
What is the refund policy? ›
We offer a 30-day, 100% refund with no questions asked, as long as you haven't submitted any coursework.
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