A Goal System That Works

We hear terms such as goal work, growth mindset, and SMART goals, but do we really know the importance of setting goals? I have worked with my students on setting goals for the school year at the beginning of each year, and than I usually remember to check back in around New Year's and at the end of the school year to see what goals my students' set and met. But goal setting is so much more and should be done on both a large and small scale.

In regards to the entire school year, I focus on SMART goals. My students choose a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable, and Timely goal for each subject area for the year. These are the big goals such as mastering multiplication or division facts, completing homework each week, going up a reading level, or learning new study skills. We typically check in on these SMART goals halfway through the year and at the end of the year, but the students keep their SMART goals worksheet in their binder or folder to refer back to regularly.

For shorter term goals, I have recently started a new 5 Week Goal system that works! I choose 4 to 5 reasonable goals that all my students could meet. These goals relate specifically to our new unit of study in math or reading, and include a few of those big goals my students choose at the beginning of the year. I write each goal on a chart that hangs in the room. I include two columns for their goal choice and goal met. Each student receives a sticky-note with their name to place next to one goal of their choice.

Now you may be wondering, "Don't your students feel self-conscious about their name on a goal? Do they get embarrassed if they don't meet their goal?" And my answer to you is Growth Mindset. I have set up a safe space in my classroom from day one, where all my students know that we will set goals, and that we will all reach those goals at different times and in different ways. I always share the quote "Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way" - George Evans. We share our failures and successes together and encourage each other to do our best and persevere through the difficult tasks. (Note: If I have a group of students uncomfortable with their name on the chart, we all choose a 4 digit number that only the student and teacher know to place on the goal.)

After 5 weeks, each student gets the opportunity to show whether or not they have met their goal, and if so, move their sticky-note to the goal met column. We then consider new goals to add to the chart, and also discuss current goals that they would like to continue working on. This 5 Week Goal system sets the tone of growth, working through mistakes and set-backs, and celebrating successes with each other. I have found 5 weeks to be a manageable amount of time for students to work on each goal, and for myself to plan for and check in with students on each goal. The students are consistently asking when they can work on their goal and are excited to set new goals each round.

Below is an example chart that I had for a recent unit in my classroom. It is a simple, yet powerful display of our growth mindset and achievement in the classroom.

More resources on the 5 Week Goal system will be coming soon to my Teachers Pay Teachers store!