Instructional planning is the process of designing and organizing instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. It involves creating goals, selecting methodologies and strategies, and choosing relevant assessments. The purpose of instructional planning is to ensure that students learn what they need to learn in a way that is effective and efficient. Effective instructional planning should include both short-term and long-term goals.

Research indicates that effective instructional planning involves considering the following key questions:

• What should be taught?
• How should it be taught?
• How can student learning be assessed?

Instructional planning is a context-dependent activity that includes consideration of students, teacher, and instructional materials. It is a process that begins before the teacher steps into the classroom and involves appropriate curricula, instructional strategies, resources, and data.

Effective instructional planning should:

• Develop plans that are clear, logical, sequential, and integrated across the curriculum.
• Plan instruction effectively for content mastery, pacing, and transitions.
• Plan for instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Align and connect lesson objectives to state and local standards.

Instructional planning is an essential component of effective teaching. It helps teachers feel comfortable about instruction and gives them a sense of understanding and ownership over the teaching they plan.