The 5 Steps to Setting SMART Goals

What are Smart Goals?

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for the 5 steps of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. It is a simple tool used by businesses to go beyond the realm of fuzzy goal-setting and into an actionable plan for results. I have adapted the idea to use in an educational setting and you will find a copy of the specific goal setting handout that I use with my students at the end of this article.

Specific: Great goals are well-defined and focused. I want to earn an A in history. That's fuzzy and a long term goal.  You want to write a long term goal and short term goals. The short term goals are the steps that you are going to do the reach your long term goal. For instance, you would defined the long term goal as - I will earn an A in history. The short term goals are the steps which could include - I will reach my goal by studying for 10 minutes every night in addition to doing my regular history homework assignment. I will join a study group to study for exams. I will do all the extra credit assignments. I will write class notes and revise them after class to add more details. I will make flash cards and put them in my back pocket and review them while I wait for the school bus. I will talk to my teacher to find out what are the things he/she recommends to earn an A.

Measurable: A goal without a measurable outcome is like a sports competition without a scoreboard or score keeper. Your scores on assignments will let you know if your on track. And you can make yourself a checklist to keep in your daily planner to keep you focused.

Attainable: Far too often students get goals beyond reach. This can happen when you set too many goals and I recommend no more than 2-3 goals. Once you achieve one goal you can then focus on another one.

Relevant: This is something that each individual must identify for himself/herself. Knowing and learning take on importance only when we are convinced that it matters or makes a difference.

Time-Based: Goals just don't get done when there is no time frame tied to the goal setting process. I will achieve my goal by________________(date).




SMART GOAL SHEET                        TUTOR:                       LEARNER:

Today's Date:                                   Target Date for Goal to be Achieved:

Start Date:                                        Date Achieved:

GOAL:

Specific: What exactly will you (the learner) accomplish? Think narrow, not broad.

Measurable: How will you know when you reach this goal? What is the proof?


Attainable: Is achieving this goal realistic with effort and commitment? Have you got the resources to achieve this goal? If not, how will you get them?


Relevant: Why is this goal significant to your life?


Time: When will you achieve this goal? (Set flexible but specific target dates.)

I will achieve my goal by                  (date)

                                                         GOAL-SETTING

1. What do you (the learner) hope to accomplish as a result of accomplishing your goal?

2. Why is it important to you to accomplish this?

3. What are the first three steps you need to complete in order to achieve your goal?

4. Of  these three, which is the most important to you and why?

5. What aspects of reading, writing, or math will you need to build or strengthen in order to meet 
    your goal?

6. What knowledge, skills and strategies do you already possess that will help you reach your goal?

7. List any concerns or potential obstacles you have that may stand in the way of achieving your 
   goal.

8. Create an action plan to work towards your answer to question number 4 or 5.

1st step                                                                           by

2nd step                                                                          by

3rd step                                                                          by

4th step                                                                          by



This goal is important because:

The benefits of achieving this goal will be:

Take Action:

Potential Obstacles                                                            Potential Solutions




Who are the people you will ask to help you?


Specific Action Steps: (Short term goals i.e. what steps need to be taken to achieve your goal?

1st step                                                       Deadline

 2nd step                                                     Deadline

3rd step                                                      Deadline

4th step                                                       Deadline

It's important to periodically review your goals and make adjustments if necessary. If a specific task and/or activity isn't working develop a different one.

Goal setting is an essential tool for success. It is a life-long habit that you can use to both in school and out of it! Remember in the end to be SMART. Also, celebrate your success!