Applying Depth of Knowledge and Cognitive Rigor

Learn how to apply a cognitive mindset that supports student-centered classrooms (PK–12).

For more than 2 decades, Karin Hess has worked with the concept of depth of knowledge (DOK) and expanded applications of cognitive rigor across content areas and grade levels, proving that every student can experience deeper learning.

This interactive book offers a self-guided journey beginning with the basics: what DOK is, what it is not, and debunking common misconceptions about rigor. Karin shares how she synthesized ideas from various thinking models with DOK as the foundation to create the Hess Cognitive Rigor Matrices, now used in more than 100 countries. Each module is framed by frequently asked questions and provides practical tools and strategies for applying a cognitive mindset that supports student-centered classrooms, planning instruction that shifts student roles from taking in information to constructing meaning, and monitoring progress with assessments that uncover thinking.

This unique, action-oriented workbook is a perfect companion to Karin’s earlier books and a great DOK refresher for PK–12 staff!

Learn how to:

• Build a shared understanding of DOK and rigor among your teaching colleagues.
• Shift DOK levels in order to shift teacher-student roles in support of learning transfer.
• Create actionable standards-based and competency-based assessments.
• Analyze and adapt current curricular and assessment materials.
• Explore applications of DOK in progress monitoring and grading.

Karin Hess, author of the Hess Cognitive Rigor Matrices, is an internationally recognized leader in applying cognitive rigor, depth of knowledge (DOK), and learning progressions to the development of PK–12 state and school-based curriculum and assessment systems. She is a former classroom teacher and school administrator.

“Each module is unique and has the capability to transform your classroom. I encourage you to consider this a journey to higher levels of rigor. This book is a master class on applying cognitive rigor, and Karin is an excellent guide.”
—From the Foreword by Barbara R. Blackburn, bestselling author and international education consultant

“What does depth of learning actually look like from a student's perspective? When a learner experiences going deeper into a subject and contrasts that to simply skimming the surface, then we are succeeding as educators. Rigor matters. No one in the field has produced more intriguing insights, productive tools, and practical protocols to facilitate our practice in this endeavor than Karin Hess. Diving into her latest book, Applying Depth of Knowledge and Cognitive Rigor, is fascinating and expansive. This is a must-read for school leadership, curriculum directors, and classroom teachers!”
—Heidi Hayes Jacobs, author and president of Curriculum Designers, Inc.

“If you want to know what rigor is, this is an indispensable book. Karin is not just a great thinker, she’s a great teacher.”
—Jon Saphier, founder and chairman, Research for Better Teaching

“In her new book, Karin brilliantly provides a clear and in-depth understanding of a needed component of classroom instruction: cognitive rigor. Through various modules, Karin thoughtfully provides guidance with practical steps educators can utilize as they plan meaningful instruction that will lead to deeper learning.”
—Sherry St. Clair, founder and president, Reflective Learning, LLC, and author of Coaching Redefined and Intentional Instructional Moves

“More than ever, our students need to have the vital skills to discern, evaluate, and understand all the information coming their way. As teachers and education leaders, how can we support every child's construction of knowledge, meeting them where they are now to nurture where they need to grow next? In her new book, Dr. Karin Hess translates decades of research and thinkers to practically compass our assessment of students in service of responsive instruction for each child under our care. She constantly focuses my thinking about learning progressions with the most radiant and illuminating lens, helping me to better understand where each child is on her/his developmental journey of growth. Karin's book insightfully clarifies and demystifies Depth of Knowledge so that we can better understand not only rigor but gain portraits of proficiency to assess and support our students' growth and confidence as learners. This is a ‘run, don't walk’book to read and meditate on for years to come.”
—Laura Benson, director of curriculum and professional development, International Schools Services