To begin the lesson planning process, candidates must write learning objectives using the TEKS in their content area and describe an assessment that is aligned with both the learning objective and the state standard. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate how to describe the learning objective and performance measure to students (the objective statement) and tell students why it is important for them to know the material. Candidates must also identify the prior learning or background knowledge that students must know in order to successfully meet the learning objective for the lesson.