Thinking SMART

Returning from the Holiday break is the perfect time to establish goals for the remainder of the school year.

I read an article from the University of California that emphasizes the need to create SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound). They suggest we ask students to answer the following questions when they are formulating each of their goals.

Specific: What will be accomplished?

Measurable: What data will measure the goal?

Achievable: Do I have the skills and resources to accomplish the goal?

Relevant: How does the goal align with broader goals?

Time-Bound: What is the timeframe for accomplishing the goal?

SMART goals help students to conceptualize what they hope to accomplish. By answering the questions, they will become more motivated to work hard to achieve the goal(s) they established.

Research has shown that the process of writing goals down can help a person's chance of accomplishing them by 33%.

You can help your children write down their goals by using the "Don't Be That KID! Pledge" on page 69 of the "Don't Be That KID! At School Resource Guide" or download it from my website.