What are Learning Targets?

Learning targets should be in student-user language? (“I can…”): Are achievement expectations that we have for students on the path toward mastery of a standard These are what we need students to “know” and “do” in order to master a standard and are the skills that we formatively assess along the way! See next slide for an example of learning targets derived from a standard. ***It is NOT necessary to unpack all standards into learning targets – but is beneficial to do this for standards that are complex and/or standards that students perform weaker on. Learning targets should be in student-user language? (“I can…”): “When students know what they are learning, their performance on the average has been shown to be significantly higher then that of students who do not know what they are learning.” (Marzano, 2005) Learning targets need to be in student-friendly language – we are not “dumbing down the content”, we are explaining it! “I can” statements directly involve the students and requires them to think, reflect, and self-assess!

Learning Target Example Standard Learning Target Assessment Example Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems. I can convert (change) within the same I can solve multi-step word problems using measurement conversions. Change 24 inches to feet Change 6 feet to yards Aimee has 5 feet of ribbon and must divide it into four equal pieces. How long is each piece in feet and inches?