Final answer:
An instructional plan should begin with assessing students' prior knowledge, which informs the educator on how to tailor instruction effectively. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
An instructional plan should begin with (A) Assessing students' prior knowledge. This assessment helps educators tailor their instruction to meet their students' current understanding. Starting with an assessment of prior knowledge allows the instructor to determine which concepts need to be addressed, elaborate on, or reviewed. Additionally, this step guides the shaping of learning objectives, the selection of appropriate instructional materials, and the development of assessment strategies.
It is essential for creating relevant and effective learning experiences that build upon what students already know. Assessing prior knowledge is followed by well-defined learning outcomes, which serve as a clear guide for both teaching and student expectations.