Context
Goal-setting is a core component of Cisco Junior High School’s blended and personalized approach, providing students with more transparency and ownership of their learning. Goal-setting is a common routine throughout Cisco, creating intentional opportunities for students to reflect on their learning data, although the frequency may vary by classroom (e.g. weekly goals, unit goals, etc.). Goal-setting also has a metacognitive component, helping students understand what they know and don’t know.
Students will often leverage data to set goals. They may reference MAP data, progress from their playlists, or results from a pretest or posttest to determine an upcoming goal. For example, a student might review their posttest, determine they don’t feel comfortable with a skill that they got right, and create a goal centered on improving their understanding of that skill. SMART goals are frequently used as a goal-setting tool for students goals, although they are not the only type of goal used within the school.
Teachers support students in their goal-setting as well. Teachers frequently check in with students through small group interactions, and occasionally individually, to review progress on student goals. If the student has not yet accomplished the goal, then they discuss why and what can be changed to help them succeed. Teachers will also review student data in case there are skills or targeted areas they want to suggest as a goal for a student. Goal-setting check-ins have the benefit of creating additional opportunities to build the relationship between the student and teacher.
Student Does
- Sets goals based on their learning needs.
- Monitors progress towards meeting goals.
- Shares goals and progress with teacher.
- Sets new goals after completing current goals.
Teacher Does
- Helps students develop goals relevant to their learning needs.
- Frequently checks-in with students to monitor progress towards their goals. (Frequency varies by teacher and could be weekly, twice per unit, or other options as well.)
- Supports students in attaining their goals.
Technology Does
- Provides progress data (MAP, etc.) that students and teachers can use to identify goals.
- Provides content and learning activities as possible goals.
Strategy Resources
Student Ownership of their Learning Progress at Cisco
Students at Cisco are encouraged to track their concept knowledge and grades through a color-coding... Learn More
Students Understanding their Learning Progress at Cisco
Students demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways to show content competency. Learn More
Setting SMART Goals at Cisco
Cisco implements SMART goal-setting for students to achieve specific, measurable, actionable, reasonable, and timely goals... Learn More
Cisco Student Goals Schedule
Teachers at Cisco Junior High create a goal setting schedule for 1:1 conferencing with students. Learn More
Cisco Growth Mindset Quiz
Teachers and students at Cisco Junior High use this quiz to assess student mindsets and... Learn More
Cisco Growth-v-Fixed Chart
Teachers and students at Cisco Junior High use this poster to support a growth mindset. Learn More
Cisco MAP Student Profile
Students and teachers at Cisco Junior High refer to the NWEA MAP student profiles to... Learn More
Cisco Junior High School is a small district school in Cisco, TX, about two hours outside of Dallas, serving students in grades 6-8. Cisco ISD has scaled blended learning to 3rd-8th grade math and science, and is working toward scaling across the entire district. This tight-knit community-oriented district has defined four core components of the blended learning student experience and each teacher has autonomy to implement it however they think would be best for their class.
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