A Schoolwide Solution
Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge
The Situation
Students are expected to demonstrate and discuss their learning at deeper levels of Depth of Knowledge. However, we have been given conflicting explanations, inaccurate tools, and no shared language for what DOK looks like in practice. This lack of clarity and consistency has created real confusion over what teaching and learning for Depth of Knowledge actually involves. We use DOK to describe and determine the rigor of teaching and learning, but how we define it differs.
The Solution
Build a clear, common, and correct understanding of DOK as a concept, framework, and language so every educator defines it the same way and applies it accurately.
Our Approach
Distinguishing Depth of Knowledge
Clarify how DOK is a concept, framework, and language for teaching and learning.
Establishing and Evaluating DOK Levels
Determine the DOK Levels of academic standards, activities, assignments, and assessments.
DOK and Alignment
Use the DOK Levels to check how closely activities, assignments, and assessments address a standard.
DOK and Assessment
Use DOK to design and evaluate assessments that accurately measure the depth and extent of student learning.
DOK and Rigor
Use DOK to evaluate and elevate the complexity and demand of learning expectations and experiences.
DOK and PLC
Use DOK to address the critical questions guiding a Professional Learning Community (PLC).
DOK and RTI
Tier instruction to address the DOK Level of the standards and the diverse needs of the students.
DOK and Instructional Leadership
Use DOK to establish a shared understanding and common language for teaching and learning throughout your organization.
Learning Outcomes
What YouWill Learn
- Recognize Depth of Knowledge is a concept, framework, and language for teaching and learning.
- Understand how Depth of Knowledge clarifies the depth and extent students must comprehend and communicate their learning.
- Analyze how the DOK Levels describe four distinct ways students can demonstrate and discuss their learning.
- Deconstruct the learning expectations of standards, activities, assignments, and assessments to determine their DOK Level.
- Apply the DOK Levels to tier instruction based on the cognitive demand of the standard and the diverse needs of every student.
- Establish the DOK Descriptors as a clear and common language for what student learning looks, sounds, and feels like.
Flexible Delivery
Training Formats
Half-Day Session
An intensive introduction and overview of DOK as a concept, framework, and language. Ideal for faculty meetings, professional development days, or conference sessions.
Full-Day Workshop
A comprehensive deep dive into DOK covering all four levels, alignment studies, cognitive rigor, and classroom application. Includes collaborative practice and planning time.
Professional Learning Series
An extended and sustainable professional learning series that builds DOK knowledge and practice over multiple sessions, with time for implementation, reflection, and coaching support.
Train-the-Trainer
Equip your instructional coaches and teacher leaders to facilitate and implement DOK professional learning internally. Builds sustainable capacity so your school keeps growing long after the last session.
Exclusive to Maverik Education
DOK AI Assistant
A personalized, interactive AI assistant that uses the DOK Descriptors developed by Erik M. Francis to do the following:
- ✓Determine the DOK level of academic standards, activities, assignments, and assessments
- ✓Check the DOK alignment between academic standards, activities, assignments, and assessments
- ✓Generate accurate and authentic DOK resources (lessons, units, activities, assignments, assessments, rubrics)
- ✓Receive personalized instructional coaching and support on how to teach and learn at all DOK levels
Don't rely on generic edtech AI to determine DOK levels or generate activities, lessons, and questions. Our DOK AI Assistant draws from a credible knowledge source so every response is accurate, authentic, and aligned to address your school's specific goals and needs.
AI Book Study
An interactive book study facilitated by Maverik Education AI with on-demand prompts, reflection questions, and application activities.
- ✓Review and reflect in real-time to the ideas and information presented in the entire book or chapter-by-chapter
- ✓Respond to on-demand discussion prompts and guiding questions
- ✓Complete activities and engage in simulated scenarios to practice implementing DOK in your classroom
- ✓Receive personalized coaching and support on how to implement the ideas and strategies from the book for your subject area and grade level
Book studies on Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge can be facilitated and powered by Maverik Education AI individually or as a group. Earn microcredentials for completion and recertification through
Let's Build Something That Lasts
Bring OUR DOK Trainingto YOUR Organization
Whether you are looking for a keynote, a multi-day training, or a long-term partnership to build schoolwide capacity, Maverik Education works with schools, districts, and education organizations. Let's start the conversation.