In a Harvard Study conducted for a 10 year period, graduates of an MBA program were asked, “Have you set clear written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?”  Only 3% had written goals and plans.  13% had goals, but not written.  84% had NO SPECIFIC GOALS at all. Ten years later they found that the 13% who had goals that were not in writing earned nearly twice as much as the 84% group that had no goals. But more importantly, the 3% that had written goals and plans on average, EARNED 10 TIMES as much as the other 97%.

 Goal setting involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-targeted (S.M.A.R.T.) objectives.  Goal setting is an effective tool for making progress by ensuring that all participants are clearly aware of what is expected if the objective is to be achieved.

“… students knew where they were going, they knew where they were at any given time, and they learned what to do to close the gap.” Classroom Assessment for Student Learning

 Students are aware of where they are…their starting point.  Students also can talk about where they want to be…..short term and long term.  Students are proud of their work and intrinsically motivated to constantly improve.

Teachers……  take time to listen and talk with students about their progress.  work with students to understand “realistic goals”.  meet with students one on one to determine strengths and areas for improvement…..analyze how their current work impacts achievement.  work with students to agree upon, set a goal, and record on goal sheet.

Math End of Year 2011 FallWinterSpring End of Year Goal Growth Actual Score Goal Reading End of Year 2011 FallWinterSpring End of Year Goal Growth Actual Score Goal MAP Goals for: ___________________

Math End of Year 2011 FallWinterSpring End of Year Goal Growth Actual Score Goal Reading End of Year 2011 FallWinterSpring End of Year Goal Growth Actual Score Goal Science End of Year 2011 FallWinterSpring End of Year Goal Growth Actual Score Goal MAP Goals for: ________________________

 Keep the focus on achievement.  Follow up is critical.  Celebrate ALL success…. Individual and class… great or small!!!  Allow students to have input on recognition, celebrations, and growth.  Be CREATIVE….. This is an exciting time for students!!  May not look the same in every classroom!