Rules for success- continued

Previously we looked at setting goals for yourself and your students to ensure that you achieve desired results at the end of the year. We looked at the acronym SMARTER to help design powerful successful goals.

Now we look at the meaning of each letter and provide examples  to help you along.

Specific: Many intended goals fail because they're too ambiguous, woolly and vague. A goal needs to be specific and to the point.
Poor example: The school exam results will be improved on next year.
Good example: In 2011 matric exams, every candidate will pass every subject

Measurable: Dream big but be able to measure the dream. Goals should be measurable  An observer should be able to measure whether or not intended goals were achieved.
Poor example: The school will raise funds to build a library.
Good example: Fund raising events in 2011 will raise R75 000 towards the library

Achievable: Set goals that are challenging and just beyond one's grasp. They need to motivate one to excel but also be reachable.
Poor example: The school will be the best in the country.
Good goal: Excellent overall percentage results will be obtained in the grades three and six standardised annual national assessment.

Realistic:Goals need to be realistic and in relation to resources and man-power.
Poor example: Each learner will have a maths percentage of at least 70%
Good example: Each learner's maths mark will improve by 5% over a year.

Time-bound: Before carrying out a goal set deadlines. Decide what will be achieved by certain dates. Dates become milestones on the journey to achieving goals.
Bad example: the school will build two new classrooms
Good example: R180 000 will be raised by December 2012 on the new classrooms project; the classrooms will be built by June 2012.

Ethical: Goals should be in the best interest of the community.
Poor example: Secure car parking available only for senior management.
Good example: Secure car parking available on a first come, first serve basis for all staff and visitors.

Rewarding: A goal should be well worth doing . Upon completion all parties involved should feel it was all well worth it.
Poor example: Expensive recliner armchair for Principal's office.
Good example: Comfortable chairs for everyone in the staffroom.

Be inspired as you plan your personal, professional and school goals. Dream on but be mindful of Diana Hunt's word, "Goals are dreams with deadlines"

Source: theTeacher, November 2010 pg. 7