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Goal Setting

Students set a goal, make a plan, track it, and adjust.

When to use it

  • A student is working toward goals someone else chose
  • Effort fades after the first week of a new plan
  • You want the student to own their progress data

Why it works

When students choose the goal, plan the steps, and check their own progress, they practice problem solving and stay with it longer. The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) teaches this cycle.

Try this tomorrow

  • Ask three questions: What is my goal? What is my plan? What have I learned?
  • Keep the goal small: one skill, two weeks.
  • Have the student write the steps and who can help.
  • Let the student chart their own progress each week.
  • Meet briefly to adjust the goal or the plan

If two of you are in the room

Co-teaching pairs can split this between them, and swap who takes which part so both teachers work with every student.

One teacher

Holds short goal conferences with students while the class works.

The other teacher

Leads the class task and builds in two minutes for students to update their trackers.

What the research can and cannot tell us

NTACT:C rates the SDLMI as an evidence-based practice. KU recommends training alongside the Teacher's Guide. We found no What Works Clearinghouse practice guide specific to student goal setting.

Resources

6 resources for this topic, drawn from 5 organizations. Everything opens free, and the ones from other organizations open on their own sites.

  • Goal Plan

    Have a student map one goal, the steps, the supports, and the hoped-for result. Fillable PDF or web app.

    I'm DeterminedTemplate or formUse with a studentOne student

    Open resource

  • SDLMI Teacher's Guide

    Use the 12 student questions across three phases to coach students through setting and reaching a goal.

    University of KansasStrategy guidePlan together

    Open resource

  • The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction

    Get a quick overview of the SDLMI and how it helps students set goals, plan, and track progress.

    University of KansasQuick readLearn more

    Open resource

  • SDLMI: Practice Description

    Read a short summary of the SDLMI phases and the research that supports them.

    NTACT:CResearch summaryLearn more

    Open resource

  • Take Action Lessons

    Teach eight free lessons on breaking a goal into steps, making a plan, acting, and adjusting.

    Zarrow InstituteStrategy guide8 lessons, 45 to 60 minutes eachPlan together

    Open resource

  • Goal Setting Tools

    Find guides for setting measurable academic and behavior goals, with tips on including students and families.

    NCIIStrategy guidePlan together

    Open resource
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These resources are shared for professional learning and planning. They are meant to inform your professional judgment, not replace it. Each student's IEP and your district, state and federal requirements always come first. Listing a resource here is not an endorsement by Layered Education. This is educational information only, not legal advice.

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