Classroom teachers, learning specialists, and differentiation teachers have two components from which we begin to plan:
• the curriculum designed by the state, the administrators, and (for some districts) the teachers (state and local curriculum standards)
• the diverse students assigned to us

Teaching decisions begin with the BIG IDEAS
Big Ideas are often called 'enduring understandings'

Here are some examples:

*Democratic governments must balance the rights of the individual with the common good.
*Living things grow and change over time.
*Reading place value correctly is essential when comparing numbers.
*The ability to conduct research enables you to add to your knowledge and to make informed decisions.

Understanding by Design (powerpoint Columbia University)
Identifying Enduring Understandings (ASCD, Chapter 4, Understanding by Design Handbook)

Beginning with questions helps define the major curricular goal for the students.

"Essential questions require extraordinary thinking on the part of teachers and students alike and serve as doorways into focused discussion, inquiry, and research."
Jay McTighe & Grant Wiggins

Here are some examples:

*How does our position in the solar system and in our galaxy effect our life on Earth?
*Why is the Industrial Revolution considered a revolution?
*Could a healthy diet for one person be unhealthy for another?
*Do numbers ever get too big? or too small? Why or why not?

Examples of Essential Questions (Eulouise Williams)