PBL Framework

The PREP PBL Framework was developed by teachers, building leaders, and expert PBL consultants associated with MPG's PREP project. It defines six essential elements of a student project and includes design questions for each element. This resource also includes an implementation continuum which teachers can use to assess the extent to which a project effectively addresses each element. While a good project does not need to include every element, the PREP minimum standard expects a project will address at least four of the elements at the "But Yes" or "Yes Yes" level.

Project Planner

This Project Planner provides a step-by-step set of questions that will lead you to clear instructional goals and plans for your Project-Based Learning unit. This Planner is helpful to plan out the entire unit by asking essential questions that must be answered to ensure a cohesive unit of instruction.  

Project Syllabus Builder

Projects that offer students credit must include a syllabus. This template was engineered by MPG's own Jerry Eaton to make it easy to develop a syllabus that identifies your project’s 1) priority standards (for up to two subject areas), 2) graduate portrait traits, and 3) college and career readiness pathways (e.g. CTE, dual credit). Click on the down arrows in the upper right corner of the appropriate cell to choose from a comprehensive menu of courses, standards, traits, and pathways. Questions? Contact Liz Delmatoff edelmatoff@pps.net.

Project Foundations Tool

This tool is meant as an initial step for a classroom teacher where you use a set of questions within a set of design categories in order to begin framing your project-based learning unit. Initially designed as a daily reflection writing practice to be completed over a single work week, the questions can be utilized at any pace to move through the categories of Context to Themes to Products, Partners, and Roadmaps to Cycles & Scaffolds and concluding with Pre-Work and Next Steps. This is a useful document for beginners who want to explore the many questions that project-based learning inspires.    

Partner Roles Tool

Community partners can benefit a project-based learning unit in significant ways. This document helps classroom teachers and administrators to consider the different ways community members can contribute. Ranging from easier roles such as Guest Speaker or Workshop Instructor to the more involved Project Co-Designer, the document provides typical partner activities with examples to spur the planning stage of how to incorporate community partners. 

Partner Prep Tool

Designed to be used in conjunction with the Partner Roles Tool, this Partner Preparation Matrix helps classroom teachers prepare community partners to successfully carry out their role(s) in the project.    

Standards Mapping "Sticky Note" Activity

This activity is meant for a group of educators to brainstorm a project-based learning idea alongside considerations such as power standards and graduate expectations. After a period of idea generation, there is an opportunity to step back and sort the ideas in order to arrive at a logical project focus. With minimal required materials, this is a great group activity ideal for a department meeting or connected to a professional development session. 

Key Actions for Teachers and Building Leaders

Project Library

Multiple Pathways’ Project Library offers descriptions of over twenty projects implemented between 2019-2023 with support from the PREP project. Descriptions include information about content areas, standards, and courses advanced through the project, links to products and community/industry partners, and teacher reflections. PBL Works' website also offers descriptions of vetted projects organized by grade level and subject area. Simply create a free MyPBLWorks login to access the project descriptions.