Locate your school goals and measure their effectiveness by applying the SMART criteria to each goal.
The targets from our school plan are:
1. To improve student performance in Literacy and Numeracy by 3% in the top NAPLAN bands with a focus on higher order thinking.
2. To improve and focus assessment practices in Literacy and Numeracy so that they better inform teaching to a diverse range of students
3. Implement Aboriginal Policy and improve student performance in Literacy and Numeracy
Simple
The goals on the whole are simple and clear.
Measurable
Targets 1 and 3 are measurable. However, a ‘focus’ on higher order thinking isn’t measurable. This should be part of the HOW to achieve it. Perhaps they’re trying to include too much in one target. Target 2 is difficult to measure unless NAPLAN data is used to assess this too. Target 3 doesn’t state the amount of improvement required in Literacy and Numeracy by Aboriginal students. It should be more specific to make results more measurable.
Achievable
The measurable parts of these goals are achievable, but a lot of planning and work is required in order to achieve them.
Reasonable
The goals are reasonable as they’re tied to mandatory DEC and Australian Curriculum outcomes and current pedagogy.
Timely
I think it will be difficult to achieve these in the 12 month timeframe given.
Does the goal measure up?
Goals should be written with more specificity which will lead to ease of comprehension and measurement. The word ‘focused’ should not be used. Perhaps a separate target for the development of higher order thinking should be included.
The Lively Librarian 