Creating SMART Goals

My learning plan, or should I say, my recipe, is set. But what do I need now?
Broccoli, cinnamon, and two cups of milk.
Yuck! Not only does that sound disgusting, it has nothing to do with professional learning!
Sounds like now you need ingredients that will work well together, right?
Go on.
Ingredients are like professional development goals you will make to improve your teaching. They are crucial to good cooking and professional learning.
So what makes a good goal?
We’ll make it SMART! Let me show you.

Creating SMART Goals

First, a goal should be SPECIFIC. Make your goal clear and simple, stating why it’s important, who’s involved, and where it will take place.
'I will improve my classroom management strategies by ...'
Your goal should also be MEASUREABLE. Give your goal specific criteria to measure progress towards completion.
'As measured by semi-annual classroom observations, classroom management strategies will improve in my class...
Also make your goal ATTAINABLE. Make it realistic and accurate. Though it should stretch you, it should not be extreme.
OK. I’ll need to take out the part about being the best classroom manager west of the Mississippi.
Remember to make your goal RELEVANT. Create a worthwhile goal that can directly impact the outcome.
I suppose my goal for learning cat oragami shouldn't be included then.
And finally make your goal TIME BOUND. Ground your goals in a specific time frame.
OK, here’s my final goal: During this school year, as measured by semi-annual classroom observations performed by my principal, my classroom management strategies will show significant improvement.
That is SMART!

Assess SMART Goals

Select the part or parts of the SMART goal that are missing from each example.

This year I would kind of like to become a better teacher.

  1. Not specific
  2. Not measurable
  3. Not attainable
  4. Not relevant
  5. Not time-bound

I will improve the enthusiasm I share in my class each and every day.

  1. Not specific
  2. Not measurable
  3. Not attainable
  4. Not relevant
  5. Not time-bound

I will demonstrate my teaching prowess by becoming superintendent of this district by the end of the year.

  1. Not specific
  2. Not measurable
  3. Not attainable
  4. Not relevant
  5. Not time-bound

I will achieve the Facebook milepost of having 500 friends this year.

  1. Not specific
  2. Not measurable
  3. Not attainable
  4. Not relevant
  5. Not time-bound

My arithmetic instruction will improve.

  1. Not specific
  2. Not measurable
  3. Not attainable
  4. Not relevant
  5. Not time-bound

Create a Goal Folder

Insert a new goal folder with a name of Reading Strategies and This goal is to collect ... for the description.

  1. Click the Insert List .
  2. Click Goals to insert a new goal folder.
  3. Rename your new goals folder to Reading Strategies.
  4. Type This goal is to collect ... to give your folder a description and then Save your folder.
  5. Very good. Now you have a folder for your goals in which you can insert learning activities.