Checkpoints are planned, informal pauses in the lesson when the teacher assesses all students’ understanding through an oral, physical, or written response. Checkpoints allow the teacher to clarify any misunderstandings students may have about the objective and provide an opportunity for the teacher to gauge when adjustments need to be made in the lesson to ensure student mastery.

• Look at the lesson and anticipate where and when student misunderstandings may occur.
• Determine how to check for understanding for all students (oral, physical, or written response).
• Plan for Checkpoints at various times within the lesson. Some might include:
  • After the Warm-Up/Do Now
  • During the introduction of new learning
  • Throughout the guided and independent practice
• Script out potential questions to use during the Checkpoint or build Checkpoint questions into students’ independent or group work.