7:3 Essential
When and Where did I Find it: I have come across this word in many contexts. I constantly "throw" this word around in professional circles, especially regarding planning and insturction.
What it means: According to disctionary.com, the word essential is defined as "absolutely necessary or indispensable." In the context of education, essential does have a similar meaning, but is more associated with the imperative knowledge and concepts that students must know and understand.
Level of familiarity: I have heard this word many times before. As a teacher, I constantly employ this word when collaborating with the general education teachers on my teams. I continue to develop my understanding of this word and its importance in the context of instruction.
Do I want to know this word well and why: I would like to continue to explore this word. When designing lessons for my students, I constantly inquire about and look for the content "essentials." As content experts, the general education teachers inform me of the content the students must know. As with backward design planning, I take these essentials and design my lessons and objectives. I would like to continue to explore how essentials may look and be different depending on individual student needs and levels.
Do I think others should know this word well...if so, who and why: I think all teachers should know and understand this word. The word "essential" is a foundational concept that most teachers encounter in their early education courses. Teachers should be encouraged to continue to explore what this word means and how it changes depending on curriculum, standards, assessment, and most importantly, students. I think it is also important for students to know what this word means. Many classrooms have the "essential questions" posted every day, but many students may not know what it means or why it is important for them.
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