At Kindred, we translate real challenges into real solutions. Drawing on the insights and expertise of educators, we created a course that’s both grounded in classroom reality and built for easy adaptation, no matter the district or context.

How We Designed for Impact

To ensure every aspect of the course would be usable and adaptable, we drew on established frameworks: Backward Design and the 4-Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model.

• Backward Design anchored our process in clear outcomes. We began by identifying what successful teachers and students should be able to do, then mapped every activity, resource, and assessment in reverse from those goals.

• 4C/ID enabled us to break down complex, real-world tasks—such as building an educational support plan for DAEP students—into smaller learning tasks that fostered confidence and capability step by step.

Building Structure with Purpose

We defined measurable learning targets for each module using Bloom’s Taxonomy and the ABCD method, ensuring clarity and progression. To keep learning grounded in daily practice, we wove in student case studies, relatable teacher profiles, and interactive elements—all designed for immediate application in real classrooms.

Course Modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of exclusionary discipline

• Module 2: Navigating DAEP procedures (district-specific)

• Module 3: Best practices for real support

• Module 4: Creating an educational support plan

Personalization and Accessibility

We recognize that teachers bring valuable expertise to the table. That’s why we built in a pre-assessment to personalize each learning path, allowing educators to “test out” of content they already know and focus on areas for growth. Visible progress, integrated checklists, and reflection activities support both new and experienced teachers in driving their own learning. The modular design means any district can implement the course with minimal adjustments—usually just updating Module 2 for local procedures.

Accessibility informed every decision. We applied the C.R.A.P. design principles (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity) to ensure content is easy to navigate, visually clear, and logically grouped. Every resource—from outlines to storyboards—was created as a practical, scalable blueprint.

Design for All

We drew inspiration from global approaches to inclusive education, ensuring our materials could be adapted across diverse cultural and resource contexts. Accessibility standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and multiple means of engagement are integrated throughout to ensure every educator—regardless of background—can access and benefit from the course.

Ready to see the design in action?
Jump to the Development phase to explore how we brought the course to life, tested it with real educators, and prepared it for real-world implementation.