Anchored in Standards, Guided by Innovation

When it comes to standard alignment, it is important to note that aligned lesson planning is key. The Pactful’s design thinking process is just a process for innovation. Any process can be aligned with proper planning and implementation of Bloom’s taxonomy.  

The following is an alignment to standard at the basic level: 

AI Prompt Examples

Original: 

“I want to provide an overview for educators and educator leaders of how Pactful’s design thinking process and pitch aligned to the common core standard for English language Arts (found in this pdf https://corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ELA_Standards1.pdf)  for grades 8 to 12. I want the template to be as follow: A short summary of alignment to the identify process follow by the number of the standard with the standards in quotations and explanation of alignment, for each grade level. The tone should be easy to follow, and engaging.”

Math modified: 

“I want to provide an overview for educators and educator leaders of how Pactful’s design thinking process and pitch aligned to the common core standard for Mathematics (found in this pdf https://corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Math_Standards1.pdf)  for grades 8 to 12. I want the template to be as follow: A short summery of alignment to the identify process followed by the number of the standard with the standards in quotations and explanation of alignment, for each grade level with the aligned design thinking process in bold. The tone should be easy to follow, and engaging. Make sure to include both practice and content standards.”

Pactful’s hands-on approach to problem-solving through design thinking and pitching ideas naturally integrates the rigorous academic skills outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students engaged in the Pactful process are not just learning theory; they are actively applying critical reading, writing, speaking, and mathematical reasoning skills to real-world challenges. This alignment ensures that as students develop innovative solutions, they are also mastering the essential college and career readiness standards.

The following CCSS alignment is listed below by grade level in order:

Grade 8

Pactful’s process in the 8th grade builds a strong foundation in research, collaboration, and communication, directly aligning with the following ELA standards:

  • W.8.7: “Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.”
    • Alignment: This standard is the blueprint for the Understand phase. Pactful challenges students to identify a problem they are passionate about and conduct research, encouraging them to be curious and explore various sources of information to grasp the issue’s complexities.
  • SL.8.1: “Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.”
    • Alignment: Design thinking is a team sport! From brainstorming sessions to providing constructive feedback, this standard is core to the Ideate phase, where collaborative discussion sparks creative solutions.
  • W.8.2.d: “Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.”
    • Alignment: As students move into the Prototype phase, they must clearly explain their proposed solution. This requires using specific language to describe the features and functions of their prototype, ensuring everyone understands the concept.
  • SL.8.4: “Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.”
    • Alignment: This standard is the essence of the Pitch. Students must present their final solution persuasively, making a clear case for why their idea is valuable and should be supported.

Grades 9-10

In grades 9-10, the Pactful process deepens students’ analytical and argumentation skills, which is reflected in these ELA standards:

  • RI.9-10.1: “Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.”
    • Alignment: This standard is put into practice during the Understand phase as students gather evidence from articles, studies, and interviews to define the problem and justify the need for a solution.
  • W.9-10.1: “Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.”
    • Alignment: This is the framework for the Pitch. A compelling pitch requires a clear claim (the solution), valid reasoning (how it works), and strong evidence (why it’s needed), directly reflecting the components of a well-structured argument.
  • SL.9-10.1: “Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
    • Alignment: This standard is the engine for the collaborative phases of design thinking, primarily Understand and Ideate. It outlines the precise interpersonal and communication skills students need to move from a problem to a potential solution as a team.
  • SL.9-10.5: “Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.”
    • Alignment: A modern-day Prototype or Pitch requires more than just words. This standard is applied as students create engaging presentations, digital mockups, or videos to make their ideas tangible and compelling.
  • W.9-10.5: “Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.”
    • Alignment: The Ideate and Prototype phases are iterative. This standard is mirrored as students brainstorm, get feedback, and continuously refine their ideas and prototypes, strengthening their solution with each new approach.

Grades 11-12

For 11th and 12th graders, Pactful’s process encourages sophisticated research, synthesis of complex information, and a more nuanced approach to argumentation, aligning with these ELA standards:

  • W.11-12.7: “Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.”
    • Alignment: At this level, the Understand phase demands a deeper, more sustained research effort. This standard is mirrored in how students must synthesize information from diverse sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
  • RI.11-12.7: “Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.”
    • Alignment: During the Ideate phase, students critically evaluate varied sources—data, documentaries, expert opinions—to inspire and shape their innovative solutions, building a strong, evidence-based foundation for their project.
  • W.11-12.6: “Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to feedback, including new arguments or information.”
    • Alignment: In the Prototype phase, students use technology to create and share their solutions, whether it’s a website, an app mockup, or a CAD design. They use feedback to update and improve their digital prototypes, embodying the iterative nature of design.
  • SL.11-12.4: “Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.”
    • Alignment: A sophisticated Pitch at this level requires more than just presenting an idea. Students must also anticipate and address counterarguments, demonstrating a deep understanding of the problem space and a well-reasoned defense of their solution.
  • SL.11-12.1: “Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
    • Alignment: This standard is the engine for the collaborative phases of design thinking, primarily Understand and Ideate. It outlines the precise interpersonal and communication skills students need to move from a problem to a potential solution as a team.

The following CCSS alignment is listed below by grade level in order:

Standards for Mathematical Practice (Grades 8-12)

The eight Standards for Mathematical Practice are the heartbeat of good mathematical thinking. They are woven throughout the entire Pactful journey, from initial understanding to the final pitch.

  • 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them: “Students start by explaining to themselves the meaning of a problem and looking for entry points to its solution.” 
    • Alignment: This is the core of the Ideate phase, where students define (frame) the problem and brainstorm solutions for their user’s needs.
  • 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively: “Mathematically proficient students make sense of quantities and their relationships in problem situations.” 
    • Alignment: This is key in the Ideate phase, where students brainstorm creative solutions, and is put into practice in the Prototype phase as they translate abstract ideas into tangible models.
  • 3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others: “They justify their conclusions, communicate them to others, and respond to the arguments of others.” 
    • Alignment: The Pitch process is centered entirely around this standard, as students present their findings, justify their design choices, and defend their solution’s viability.
  • 4. Model with mathematics: “They can apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.” 
    • Alignment: The entire Pactful journey is an exercise in modeling, from initial data analysis in Understand to building a functional or visual model in Prototype.
  • 5. Use appropriate tools strategically: “Mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem.” 
    • Alignment: In the Prototype phase, students select and use tools ranging from spreadsheets and survey software to 3D printers and coding platforms to bring their ideas to life.
  • 6. Attend to precision: “They try to communicate precisely to others.” 
    • Alignment: Precision with data is critical in the Understand phase when defining the problem, and precision with language is essential in the Pitch process when presenting a clear and compelling case.
  • 7. Look for and make use of structure: “They also can step back for an overview and shift perspective.” 
    • Alignment: The Ideate and Prototype phases encourage students to see patterns and structures, whether in brainstorming sessions or in the logical design of their solution.
  • 8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning: “Mathematically proficient students notice if calculations are repeated, and look both for general methods and for shortcuts.”
    • Alignment: As students analyze data in the Understand phase or refine calculations for their business model in the Prototype phase, they learn to work efficiently and identify scalable patterns.

Grade 8

In Grade 8, students tackle more abstract mathematical concepts. Pactful’s process provides a concrete way for them to apply these new skills to problems they care about.

  • 8.SP.A.1: “Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two variables.” 
    • Alignment: During the Understand phase, students can survey potential users and create scatter plots to discover relationships between user demographics and specific needs, helping them to accurately define the problem.
  • 8.F.B.5: “Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a graph…” 
    • Alignment: In preparing for their Pitch, students can graph data collected during their research to visually demonstrate the problem’s scope or their proposed solution’s potential impact, making their argument more powerful.

High School: Number and Quantity

For high school students, Pactful provides a platform to apply their understanding of the number system to real-world financial and design constraints.

  • N-Q.A.1: “Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas…” 
    • Alignment: This standard is fundamental to the Prototype phase, where students must calculate material costs, user numbers, or project timelines, ensuring their model is grounded in realistic quantities.
  • N-Q.A.2: “Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.”
    • Alignment: The Understand phase requires students to identify the key metrics that define the problem. Is the problem about time, money, distance, or user satisfaction? Defining these quantities is the first step toward a viable solution.

High School: Algebra

Algebraic thinking is the engine of problem-solving. It provides the tools to model relationships and create scalable solutions within the Pactful framework.

  • A-CED.A.1: “Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems.” 
    • Alignment: During the Ideate phase, students can set up equations to explore the limits of different solutions. In the Prototype phase, they might create a cost-analysis equation (C=ax+b) to model their solution’s budget.
  • A-REI.B.3: “Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable…”
    • Alignment: This skill is applied in the Prototype phase to determine break-even points, minimum user requirements, or other critical thresholds that determine if their proposed solution is sustainable.

High School: Functions

Functions are a powerful tool for modeling relationships and predicting outcomes, a skill that is honed across Pactful’s phases. 

  • F-IF.B.4: “For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities…” 
    • Alignment: When students prepare their Pitch, they can model data with functions to create compelling graphs that forecast their project’s potential growth, social impact, or revenue over time.
  • F-LE.A.1: “Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.”
    • Alignment: This is a key skill in the Ideate phase. Does the solution propose a steady, linear growth in users, or does it have the potential for viral, exponential growth? Understanding this helps students choose the most promising ideas to Prototype.

High School: Geometry

Geometric principles are fundamental to designing and building solutions in the physical and digital worlds. 

  • G-MG.A.1: “Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe objects…” 
    • Alignment: This is the essence of the Prototype phase. Students use geometry to design and build their solutions, whether creating a physical product, a digital app interface, or a blueprint for a service.
  • G-MG.A.3: “Apply geometric methods to solve design problems (e.g., designing an object or structure to satisfy physical constraints or minimize cost…).” 
    • Alignment: The Prototype phase is a direct application of this standard, as students use geometry to optimize their designs for efficiency, ergonomics, and cost-effectiveness.

High School: Statistics and Probability

Statistics and probability provide the foundation for making data-driven decisions and persuasive arguments.

  • S-ID.A.1: “Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).” 
    • Alignment: In the Understand phase, students collect survey or research data and use these plots to visualize the information, making it far easier to identify the core of the problem they need to solve.
  • S-IC.B.6: “Evaluate reports based on data.”
    • Alignment: This is a critical thinking skill used to prepare for the Pitch. Students must evaluate the data they’ve collected to form a conclusion and present a report—their pitch—that is logical, evidence-based, and persuasive.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students are a framework for empowering student voice and ensuring that learning is a student-driven process. They’re designed to help students thrive in a constantly evolving technological landscape. Pactful’s design thinking process—Understand, Ideate, Prototype, and Pitch—naturally aligns with these standards by providing a hands-on, collaborative, and student-led framework for real-world problem-solving. This guide shows how Pactful helps your students in grades 8-12 meet these crucial digital-age competencies.

The Understand phase of Pactful’s design thinking process is where students build a strong foundation for their projects through empathy and in-depth research. They learn to investigate a problem from multiple angles, which directly aligns with the following ISTE standards for students:

  • 1.3. Knowledge Constructor: “Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.”
    • Alignment: In the Understand phase, students are actively engaged in research, seeking out diverse resources and information to build a comprehensive understanding of the problem they are addressing.
  • 1.1. Empowered Learner: “Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.”
    • Alignment: The Understand phase empowers students to take ownership of their learning. They set the direction of their research and explore topics that are meaningful to them, becoming active participants in their educational journey.

The Ideate phase is a dynamic and collaborative stage where students brainstorm a wide array of creative solutions. This process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas aligns perfectly with:

  • 1.4. Innovative Designer: “Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.”
    • Alignment: The Ideate phase is the heart of the design process. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas that have the potential to solve real-world problems.
  • 1.6. Creative Communicator: “Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.”
    • Alignment: During the Ideate phase, students must articulate their ideas to their peers, using various methods to communicate their vision and collaborate on building the best possible solutions.

In the Prototype phase, students transition from ideas to action. They create tangible models and test their solutions, engaging in a hands-on, iterative cycle of building and refining. This phase is a powerful embodiment of the following standards:

  • 1.4. Innovative Designer: “Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.”
    • Alignment: Prototyping is a critical step in the design process where students develop, test, and refine their creations, learning from both successes and failures.
  • 1.5. Computational Thinker: “Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.”
    • Alignment: Students often use technology to create their prototypes, whether through coding, 3D modeling, or other digital tools. This process helps them develop computational thinking skills as they work through complex problems.

The final phase, the Pitch, is where students share their innovative solutions with a real-world audience. They learn to present their work persuasively, tell a compelling story, and advocate for their ideas. This experience directly connects with:

  • 1.6. Creative Communicator: “Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.”
    • Alignment: The Pitch challenges students to become effective communicators. They learn how to tailor their message to their audience and use digital tools to create engaging and professional presentations.
  • 1.7. Global Collaborator: “Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.”
    • Alignment: By pitching their ideas, students have the opportunity to connect with experts, community members, and peers, sharing their work and receiving valuable feedback that broadens their understanding and impact.

 

Pactful’s design thinking process is a powerful framework that naturally aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for engineering design. By guiding students through the stages of Understand, Ideate, Prototype, and Pitch, Pactful empowers them to become creative problem-solvers and innovators, fully embodying the spirit of the NGSS. This alignment not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

For our middle school learners, the focus is on laying a strong foundation in systematic problem-solving. Pactful’s process helps students grasp the core principles of engineering design in a hands-on, engaging way.

  • Standard: MS-ETS1-1
    “Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.”
    • Alignment: This standard is at the heart of the Understand phase. Students learn to look at a problem from all angles, considering not just the technical challenges but also the human and environmental context. They define what success looks like and what limitations they need to work within.
  • Standard: MS-ETS1-2
    “Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.”
    • Alignment: This aligns with the Ideate phase. After brainstorming multiple solutions, students use a structured approach to compare and contrast their ideas. This critical thinking process helps them select the most promising path forward.
  • Standard: MS-ETS1-3
    “Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.”
    • Alignment: This is a key component of the Prototype phase. As students test their prototypes, they gather valuable data. They then analyze this data to refine their designs, combining the best features to create even better solutions.
  • Standard: MS-ETS1-4
    “Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.”
    • Alignment: This standard perfectly captures the iterative nature of the Prototype phase. Students create models not just as a final product, but as a tool for learning and improvement. They test, learn, and repeat, continuously striving for the best possible outcome.

In high school, students are ready to tackle more complex, real-world challenges. Pactful’s design thinking process scales up to meet this new level of rigor, encouraging a deeper and more sophisticated application of engineering principles.

  • Standard: HS-ETS1-1
    “Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.”
    • Alignment: This standard elevates the Understand phase to a global scale. Students are challenged to think big, analyzing complex issues like climate change or public health and defining the parameters for impactful solutions.
  • Standard: HS-ETS1-2
    “Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.”
    • Alignment: This is a crucial skill developed during the Ideate phase. Students learn to deconstruct complex problems, making them less daunting and more approachable. This allows them to brainstorm targeted solutions for each component of the larger challenge.
  • Standard: HS-ETS1-3
    “Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.”
    • Alignment: This standard deeply informs both the Prototype and Pitch phases. As students refine their prototypes, they must weigh various factors and make informed decisions. When they Pitch their solutions, they need to justify these trade-offs and articulate the broader impacts of their design.
  • Standard: HS-ETS1-4
    “Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.”
    • Alignment: This modern approach to the Prototype phase encourages students to leverage technology. By using simulations, they can test their ideas in ways that might not be possible with physical models, allowing for more sophisticated analysis and optimization. This also provides compelling data to support their Pitch.