Successful project-based learning with standards-based instruction includes

1. Effective planning.
2. Careful analysis of content standards (resulting in clearer expectations).
3. Enhanced discovery learning: Students are able to locate and acquire knowledge “independently.”
4. Application of student learning by creating products using the knowledge they have acquired.
5. High stakes for students. Projects should:
   

          a. Include public performance (typically as one part of assessment).

          b. Promote individual accountability.

          c. Be “marketed” to students as required and non-negotiable (product, not process).

Best Practices and Additional Resources

The following is an extensive list of resources you can use for project based learning with standards-based instruction from the project beginning to finish. You will find support for engaging students in direct instruction and structures to enhance discovery learning while providing appropriate structures for content understanding.

More about Project Based Learning

The ASCD website is an incredible resource for education topics such as 21st century learning, assessment and grading, differentiated instruction, English language learners, whole child, and more. This link is a list of online resources from ASCD addressing project-based learning.

A brief video highlighting what project based learning shouldn’t look like (according to High Tech High).

Project-based learning often involves integrating curriculum across disciplines.This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing integrated curriculum (distinct from interdisciplinary curriculum).

Tools to Increase Student Engagement

Kagan Strategies
Kagan strategies, based on brain-based research, increase student achievement by increasing student engagement. These strategies require low preparation and are ready to implement in existing lessons. The link is for a free online magazine that features a single Kagan strategy (rotated seasonally), teacher tips, and training opportunities. The majority of the excellent resources are available through purchase but well worth the investment. All departments and grade levels at our site have embraced Kagan Cooperative Learning as a resource for strategies to scaffold learning and increase student engagement. 

The Inside-Outside Circle (Kagan, 1994) is a technique in which students move around and interact with each other. It can be used as a cooperative strategy and a summarizing strategy.

Various free ready-to-implement researched-based tools. When you visit this page, look at the last three sections: Observational Protocol (teacher reflection), Resources for the Classroom (miscellaneous activities), and Reproducibles (from Robert Marzano's "Classroom Strategies" series).

Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction (scaffolded, enhanced learning) is a key element in creating an authentic "discovery/inquiry" experience in PBLs. This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing differentiation.

Differentiation: Articles, Books, and Videos
Our work around PBLs/standards-aligned instruction has shown that the "discovery/inquiry" element for PBLs is best supported through enhanced, not unassisted, learning. This document is a library of articles addressing research, strategies, etc. around differentiation. (from Carol Ann Tomlinson)

Building Academic Vocabulary
Building academic vocabulary gives students the language to successfully navigate an enhanced learning experience in project-based learning. This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing academic vocabulary.

Vocabulary Sketching
Various graphic organizers and tools to build students' academic vocabulary.

English Language Learners
English language learners also need specific tools so that they can successfully navigate an enhanced learning experience in project-based learning. This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing English language learners.

Inclusion and Special Education
Students with physical, mental, and developmental abilities need specific tools so that they can successfully navigate an enhanced learning experience in project-based learning. This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing inclusion and special education.

21st Century Skills

FREE for educators, Prezi is a storytelling, presentation software tool that is based in the “The Cloud.” Stand aside, PowerPoint; Prezi has zooming capabilities that enhance any presentation, whether for educators or students.

Curriculum 21 contains a huge clearinghouse of free, teacher-vetted web tools for you (and your students) to use in shaping the classroom for today. Support student understanding by implementing technologies that will allow them to compete in the global market. You can find many tools specific to content, grade level, types of social media, and more.

Would you like to incorporate 21st century skills into your project? This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing 21st century skills.

Assessment & Rubrics

Questions around designing authentic assessment and grading for your projects? This link is a list of free online resources from ASCD (articles, books, publications, videos, etc.) addressing assessment and grading.

This free database gives you access to sample standards scales, scales based on common core standards, and assessment items designed to assess each level of the scale. The scales and items in this database were developed by teachers, schools, and districts, as well as Marzano Research Laboratory. There is a login page that includes an opportunity for you to sign up for guest access. Click the Sign Up button, and you will be directed to a page to sign up. After signing up, you will be directed to the Search page. Guest access allows you to search and view sample scales and assessment items.

Miscellany for the Educator

The ASCD website is an incredible, abundant free resource for many education topics such as 21st century learning, assessment and grading, differentiated instruction, English language learners, and whole child. This website also provides information about professional development, conferences, and programs. While many of the resources on this site are free, official ASCD membership provides increased access to excellent resources and opportunities.

Interested in learning more about charter schools? CCSA advances the charter school movement through state and local advocacy, leadership on accountability, and resources for member schools. This website provides information about professional development opportunities (primarily through annual conferences) and resources for starting and running a charter school.

Educators can search through this website to find resources (free and for purchase) about instruction, assessment, leadership, classroom management, and practical strategies in the classroom to engage student learning and increase student achievement. Dr. Robert Marzano is a leading researcher in education; his work is featured, among many other researchers, through ASCD.

Sample Projects from Our Team

How to Avoid a Hot Mess for PBL & Standards Alignment
The end of the 10th grade at Camino Nuevo High School is marked by an important project-based/standards-aligned event before students can enter their 11th grade year: 10th Grade Mock Trials. This PowerPoint discusses the historical challenges we have faced, plus the very practical solutions that we launched this year that ultimately resulted in successful, high-stakes, quality projects across the 10th grade.

Algebra 2 and Statistics Projects
Math project descriptions, including specific tasks and content standards, for Algebra 2 and Statistics.

English Language Arts: The Infomercial Project
Group project description, including specific tasks and content standards. Differentiated roles and tasks for content and process. Sample content-based assignment. Rubric for content standards and group/individual process. 

Environmental Science: Solar Ovens Project
End-of-the-year project for AP Environmental Sciences. Includes project overview, timeline, and tasks for lab report.

Project Overviews and Rubrics from Other Content Areas
Projects for English, Math, Debate, 10th Grade Mock Trials, and Biology plus assorted rubrics. Also includes slides from our team's conference presentation.