Goal Setting at the Elementary Level

Using NWEA to Maximize Student LearningPresented by Nancy BurnsCampbell County Schools,

Campbell County, Kentucky

We will learn why goal setting is vital in student achievement.

We will learn some strategies to use when making goals with students.

Learning Targets for Today

Create an emotionally safe environment where students feel comfortable discussing their own strengths and weaknesses, and the strengths and weaknesses of their peers.

Consistently honor and celebrate individual strengths.

Focus on growth for all students. Support students in their willingness to

grow and take risks.

Creating a Classroom Environment that Supports Goal Setting

Model individual goal setting by establishing class goals first.

Great goals include what students need to learn, an action plan for that learning, a list of resources to get to that learning and a timeline.

Explain S.M.A.R.T. goals to students (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)

Goal Setting in Action

SMART GoalsDirections My Goals

S – Specific Who, What, Where, When , Which, Why

M – Measurable How much, How many, How will I know when it is accomplished

A – Attainable List personal traits that are needed in order to meet this goal

R – Realistic What conditions would have to exist in order for me to meet my goal

T – Timely Identify a time you plan to work on your goal in order to complete it

Goals focus us on a specific target. Without goals, we tend to become scattered

in thoughts and actions. Goals direct our minds on achievement. Goal setting improves everyday actions and

decision making. Goal setting provides us with a sense of

purpose. Goal setting develops our skills and talents.

Why Set Goals?

Introduce or explain MAP testing to students especially for those who may never have taken the tests.

Explain the GOAL CARDS that are provided to the students. These cards can also be used to track lines as students read on the computer screen.

GOAL CARDS will help students in determining their targets for growth.

Before MAP Testing

Students record their scores on the GOAL CARDS as they finish testing.

Students reflect (in writing) on their experiences on the MAP.

There is significant importance that written reflection plays in MAP testing. Writing helps the student to effectively and personally evaluate and process their experience.

After MAP Testing

Where there any words or ideas that were new or unfamiliar to you while you were taking the test?

What was your highest area? Why do you think this is one of your

strengths? How can this strength help you to work on

other areas that may be weaker for you?

Reflections

What was your lowest area? Would this area be a good goal for you this

year? Why or why not? If you scored lower on an area this time,

why do you think you did so? Do the scores you received on MAP match

what you know about yourself as a student?

Reflections

We want students to be able to self monitor and to develop motivation.

Self Monitoring could include graphs of progress, could be made visible as a GOAL WALL, could be weekly reflections.

Self Monitoring could also include Self Assessment Forms.

Self Monitoring

Goal setting encourages student ownership of learning.

Goal setting encourages student engagement.

Goal setting encourages student responsibility.

Bottom Lines for Goal Setting

Just like learning targets, students will not hit the mark unless they know the location of the target.

“In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” Arnold H. Glasgow

Goal Setting – Learning Targets

We will learn why goal setting is vital in student achievement.

We will learn some strategies to use when making goals with students.

Review of Our Learning Targets for Today