A SMART goal in literacy is a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This framework helps system and school leaders (and educators in general) develop effective literacy goals that are more likely to be successful.
The SMART Acronym Explained
Here's a breakdown of what each component of SMART means in the context of literacy:
| Component | Description | Example in Literacy |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | The goal is well-defined and focused. It answers the questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how. | Instead of "Improve reading," a specific goal is: "Increase the reading comprehension skills of 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Smith's class." |
| Measurable | The goal can be tracked and progress can be assessed using concrete metrics. | "Increase the reading comprehension skills of 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Smith's class as measured by a 10% increase in their scores on the Fall benchmark assessment." |
| Achievable | The goal is realistic and attainable with the available resources and time. | "Increase the reading comprehension skills of 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Smith's class as measured by a 10% increase in their scores on the Fall benchmark assessment by focusing on targeted reading interventions and small group instruction." |
| Relevant | The goal aligns with the overall literacy objectives and priorities of the school or district. | "Increase the reading comprehension skills of 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Smith's class as measured by a 10% increase in their scores on the Fall benchmark assessment by focusing on targeted reading interventions and small group instruction, which aligns with the district's emphasis on improving reading proficiency across all grade levels." |
| Time-Bound | The goal has a clearly defined start and end date. | "Increase the reading comprehension skills of 3rd-grade students in Mrs. Smith's class as measured by a 10% increase in their scores on the Fall benchmark assessment by the end of the first semester by focusing on targeted reading interventions and small group instruction, which aligns with the district's emphasis on improving reading proficiency across all grade levels." |
Benefits of Using SMART Goals in Literacy
Using SMART goals in literacy helps:
- Provide clarity and focus for literacy initiatives.
- Enable effective tracking and monitoring of progress.
- Promote accountability and ownership among educators.
- Increase the likelihood of achieving desired literacy outcomes.
