About
Rigor by Design, Not Chance invites educators to rethink rigor as something intentionally designed through strong instruction, meaningful assessment, purposeful questioning, and deeper student thinking. In this book study, participants will explore Karin Hess’s practical framework for helping students move beyond task completion and surface-level learning toward reasoning, reflection, explanation, and transfer. Throughout the study, participants will connect the reading to their own classroom practice by examining current lessons, revising questions and tasks, planning scaffolds, and creating opportunities for students to reflect on their learning. This professional learning experience is designed for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders who want to strengthen instruction in ways that support engagement, ownership, and deeper learning for all students.