Curriculum planning is a complex process with several key elements. Before you begin or during your planning, use the questions below to decide what information you might need to boost your effectiveness. Am I confident in my knowledge of the subject matter I am teaching? If yes, go on to the next question. If no, click here for help with increasing knowledge of my subject matter. Do I have an overview for the year? If yes, go on to the next question. If no, click here for help with creating an overview. Are my lesson plans as good as they can be? If yes, go on to the next question. If no, click here for help with designing good lesson plans. Do I know how to evaluate my lesson plans? If yes, go to next section, Understanding State and District standards. If no, click here for help with evaluating your lesson plans. Feeling confident about your knowledge of your subject area, your goals for the school year and the quality of your lesson plans will greatly improve your success as a teacher. These skills are valuable whether you are teaching your first year or your twenty-first year.