"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
-Anotine de Saint-Exupery
Goal setting, in context of education, has gained momentum as we have learned more about executive functioning. The relationship between these two constructs can be summed up in one word: "frienemies". If you are reading this as the parent of a high achieving student, reaching a goal is an ingrained, banal, part of your existence. On the other hand, if your are reading this as the parent of struggling student, reaching a goal is a perpetual cycle of discussion, initiation, jumping ship, and starting over.
This topic has also gained notoriety as a result of teachers' salaries, and evaluations, relying heavily upon student achievement and growth. This has sparked educators to reexamine how students can become more motivated to reach their growth targets. As a result, we are now living in a culture of accountability, where age is neither an excuse, nor an exception.
Goal setting seems to be a skill that makes most adults (i.e. parents & teachers) pretty happy; however, an all too common trap is stating a desired outcome without a course of action. I am reminded of those New Year's resolutions, that by the end of the year, have not come to fruition. They are always initiated with such fervor, only to die off by the middle of February.
Setting A S.M.A.R.T. Goal
Specific: Goals that are specific in nature are much more likely to be achieved than those that are vague or ill defined. You need to be able to answer the "W" questions. 1) Who is involved? 2) What do I want to accomplish? 3) Where will this take place? 4) When will this be achieved? 5) Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Measurable: Create check points that will help you determine if you are on track to achieve the goal. To determine if a goal is measurable, ask "How much?", "How Many?", or "How will I know when it's accomplished?'.
Attainable: When you select a goal that has personal relevance, you begin to develop the attitude, abilities, and skills required to achieve. Resources and opportunities that may have once been overlooked, gain new significance.
Realistic: A realistic goal is one in which you are able and willing to work towards. More lofty goals tend to be easier to achieve because they elicit a high motivational force. Also, if you have achieved something comparable in the past, there is experience from which to draw.
Timely: Goals need a time frame. Without a time frame, there is no sense of urgency. By creating a deadline, you are unconsciously setting yourself in motion.
In Real Life...
I will increase my reading level from an M to a P by reading "just right" books during independent reading at school, and at home for 30 minutes every night, for the entire quarter.
How do we stay motivated to achieve this goal? Kids love visuals! Make a chart at home with the date, book title, and minutes read each night. Perhaps build in some mystery motivators along the way, like a special book to read together, level P books, or a trip to the library for any book.
I will earn a B in math at the end of the quarter by completing daily homework assignments, studying for quizzes/tests, and going in before school once a week to meet with my teacher.
How do we stay motivated? Select a day of the week to check the online portal to track homework completion and grades. Agree in advance as to what day of the week will be designated to meet with the teacher. While tweens and teens like to act as though they don't care, displaying their tests and quizzes on the refrigerator is a great visual reminder, and a point of pride. Finally, if your school does not have an online portal, have your son/daughter send an email directly to the teacher to confirm grades and assignments.
Got a goal? Make it S.M.A.R.T., and eat it up!!
Setting A S.M.A.R.T. Goal
Specific: Goals that are specific in nature are much more likely to be achieved than those that are vague or ill defined. You need to be able to answer the "W" questions. 1) Who is involved? 2) What do I want to accomplish? 3) Where will this take place? 4) When will this be achieved? 5) Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Measurable: Create check points that will help you determine if you are on track to achieve the goal. To determine if a goal is measurable, ask "How much?", "How Many?", or "How will I know when it's accomplished?'.
Attainable: When you select a goal that has personal relevance, you begin to develop the attitude, abilities, and skills required to achieve. Resources and opportunities that may have once been overlooked, gain new significance.
Realistic: A realistic goal is one in which you are able and willing to work towards. More lofty goals tend to be easier to achieve because they elicit a high motivational force. Also, if you have achieved something comparable in the past, there is experience from which to draw.
Timely: Goals need a time frame. Without a time frame, there is no sense of urgency. By creating a deadline, you are unconsciously setting yourself in motion.
In Real Life...
I will increase my reading level from an M to a P by reading "just right" books during independent reading at school, and at home for 30 minutes every night, for the entire quarter.
How do we stay motivated to achieve this goal? Kids love visuals! Make a chart at home with the date, book title, and minutes read each night. Perhaps build in some mystery motivators along the way, like a special book to read together, level P books, or a trip to the library for any book.
I will earn a B in math at the end of the quarter by completing daily homework assignments, studying for quizzes/tests, and going in before school once a week to meet with my teacher.
How do we stay motivated? Select a day of the week to check the online portal to track homework completion and grades. Agree in advance as to what day of the week will be designated to meet with the teacher. While tweens and teens like to act as though they don't care, displaying their tests and quizzes on the refrigerator is a great visual reminder, and a point of pride. Finally, if your school does not have an online portal, have your son/daughter send an email directly to the teacher to confirm grades and assignments.
Got a goal? Make it S.M.A.R.T., and eat it up!!
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