An evidence-based framework for deeper learning.
Deeper learning means understanding complex topics, applying knowledge to new situations, and developing the essential skills students need in a changing world. Every resource Defined builds is rooted in this framework.
Four Pillars of Deeper Learning
These four interconnected pillars form the foundation of everything Defined builds — from individual performance tasks to full project-based units.
Career-Connected Learning
Every task is framed around a real career scenario, bridging the gap between academic content and the world of work. Students don't just learn — they see why it matters.
Future-Ready Skills
Adaptability, teamwork, communication, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and metacognition — woven into every project, not bolted on.
Performance Tasks
Open-ended, authentic challenges with no single right answer. Students transfer knowledge to new contexts and produce real work — developing the depth that standardized tests can't measure.
Project-Based Learning
Sustained, inquiry-driven projects culminating in meaningful public products. Built on the six criteria of High-Quality PBL: intellectual challenge, authenticity, public product, collaboration, project management, and reflection.
Rooted in Understanding by Design
In 2014, Defined partnered with Jay McTighe — co-creator of Understanding by Design (UbD) with Grant Wiggins — to ground our platform in the gold standard of curriculum design. Every performance task uses the GRASP template: students receive a Goal, a Role, an Audience, a Situation, and a Product to create.
This backwards design approach ensures that every learning experience starts with a clear outcome and works backwards to authentic, standards-aligned tasks — not the other way around.
language proficiency gain for ELL students (Stanford)
social studies gain among low-SES 2nd graders
increase on AP exam scores in PBL classrooms
See the framework in action.
Request a demo to explore how Defined's evidence-based approach works in your classrooms.