Graphic Design Scope & Sequence (2-Year Program)
Grade 8–12 | 11 Pages | Classical, Career-Ready Focus
*DOES NOT INCLUDE OUR CURRICULUM WORKSHEETS, ETC
 
This all-in-one Graphic Design Scope & Sequence is the ultimate resource for teachers planning a full-year or multi-year program. With two structured years of units, ongoing activities, and real-world application, it guides students from foundational skills to advanced portfolio-ready projects, while giving educators everything they need for pacing, differentiation, and classroom management.
 
What’s Included:
Grade Levels & Prerequisites: Recommendations for placement, guidance for first-time learners, and tips for mixed-experience classrooms
Course Overview & Objectives: Clear outline of Year 1 (foundations) and Year 2 (advanced) with focus on communication, creative problem-solving, and visual literacy
Year 1 – Foundations of Graphic Design: 18-week pacing with 7 units covering design principles, layout, typography, branding, digital tools, and project ideas suitable for middle or high school
Year 2 – Advanced Graphic Design: 7 units for portfolio building, client-style challenges, creative independence, critique, and career preparation
Ongoing Across Both Years: Class routines, warm-ups, critiques, design challenges, digital and physical portfolios, and revision strategies
Additional Resources: Skills summary for students/parents, lesson extensions, CTE career standards alignment, free software tools, assessment options (rubrics, peer review, portfolios), classroom systems (file naming, submissions, collaboration), career connections, differentiation strategies, and recommended books for students and teachers
Why You’ll Love It:
Fully organized, easy-to-follow, and adaptable for your classroom or program
Combines structure with creative flexibility, supporting both foundational learning and advanced skill development
Prepares students for high school credit, career exploration, or CTE certification paths
Includes everything teachers need for pacing, project planning, assessment, and real-world applications
Perfect for middle and high school graphic design courses, visual arts programs, CTE electives, digital media or communications classes, homeschool, and hybrid learning environments. This guide is your complete framework to confidently teach and inspire future designers.