Graphic Design Scope & Sequence (2-Year Program)
Grade 8–12 | 11 Pages | Classical, Career-Ready Focus
*DOES NOT INCLUDE OUR CURRICULUM WORKSHEETS, ETC
 
This comprehensive Graphic Design Scope & Sequence is the perfect foundation for teachers building a full-year or multi-year program. With two structured years of units, ongoing activities, and real-world application, this guide will help you confidently lead students through foundational and advanced graphic design.
 
Whether you’re just getting started or refining your CTE-aligned program, this resource gives you everything you need—from pacing and project ideas to differentiation strategies and free software suggestions.
 
What’s Inside (11 Pages):
✅ Grade Level & Prerequisites
– Suggested grade levels and course placement recommendations
– Guidance for first-time learners or mixed-experience classrooms
✅ Graphic Design – Course Overview
– A clear overview of how the course progresses
– Emphasis on classical, real-world design—not just trendy projects
✅ Course Objective for Graphic Design
– What students should know and be able to do by the end of each year
– Focus on communication, creative problem solving, and visual literacy
 
Year 1: Foundations of Graphic Design (18-Week Pacing)
– 7 Units with core concepts, skills acquired, and project suggestions
– Covers topics like design principles, layout, typography, branding, and digital tools
– Great for middle or high school—can be extended to a full year
 
Year 2: Advanced Graphic Design
– 7 Units for students who have completed Year 1
– Encourages deeper thinking, portfolio building, and client-style challenges
– Focus on creative independence, critique, and career-prep
– Flexible pacing for semester or year-long formats
 
Ongoing Across Both Years:
– Class routines, warm-ups, critiques, and design challenges
– Building digital and physical portfolios
– Reflection and revision strategies
 
Also Included:
Skills Learned Over Two Years – A summary list for student and parent communication
Other Ideas – Bonus lesson extensions and alternative projects
CTE Career Standards – Easy-to-reference alignment for planning
Free Software Tools – Budget-friendly alternatives to Adobe (great for Chromebooks!)
Assessment Types – Rubric ideas, portfolios, critiques, and peer review
Classroom Systems – File naming, submission, collaboration protocols, critique formats
Career Connections – Career path overviews, guest speaker ideas, and industry tie-ins
Differentiation & Modifications – Scaffolds for skill levels, ELL, and SPED
Recommended Books – Student-friendly design reads and helpful teacher references
 
Why Teachers Love It:
Organized and easy to follow
Clear pacing with room to adapt
Combines structure with creative flexibility
Prepares students for high school credit, career exploration, or CTE certification paths
 
Use it as a semester outline, a two-year guide, or as a framework to customize your own curriculum.
Perfect for:
✔️ Middle & High School Graphic Design
✔️ Visual Art & CTE Programs
✔️ Digital Media, Web, or Communications Electives
✔️ Homeschool & Hybrid High School