Change in schools – pt2 Goals
In the first post we looked at those things that are driving us to change. These are the expectations of the wider community and our students. Having established the aspects that are driving our change we need to set goals and objectives.
When it comes to setting goals I like the SMART concept:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Timely
The goals we set for our program or project must be transparent.
The goals and objectives we set need to be very specific. When examined the goals and the benefits derived from them must be clearly and easily seen. How often have we seen objectives and goals that clouded, complex and broad. Many goals also tend to be fluid and dynamic, a moving goal like a moving target is much hard to hit.
Part of any successful project, and therefore its goals is being able to measure when you have achieved it, how far you have progressed and how far you have to go. Hence our goals & objectives should be measurable. We need to be able to accurately set the goals and the milestones we need to reach them. To be measurable we need to breakdown the task, project or program into small steps or increments.
Each step we take in completing our task should be achievable. For it to be something we can complete we should consider several different aspects:
- Cost – can we do it within our budget?
- Skills – do we have the skills to complete this or do we have to use other skills sources
- Resources - do we have the resources available to achieve the goal?
- Do we have time to complete this task? Can we do it within the time frame we have?
One of the biggest questions to ask is “Is this project Relevant?” This refers back to the expectations of the community that is driving the project or program. With in relevance we should ask “what are the benefits of this programme or project?” What will we be able to deliver? Will these be relevant, useful and appropriate to our end users?
Our goals must be timely. We need the project to be delivered and available when we need it and when our students need it. The timing for the goals & objectives and there milestones we take must be specific, achieveable and realistic.
Our goals and objectives must bring benefits to us. To obtain these benefits these outcoms we must be able to plan to reach these goals. Setting and planning for goals should be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.
November 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I think applying the SMART Goal model is very effective. I especially like that you mentioned how to break down “Achievable” into aspects like cost, skills, and resources.
One thing I use with the teachers I work with is SMART EDISON.
While the SMART remains the same, the EDISON looks at the goal through the lens of the emotions that the potential of accomplishing the goal creates.
Emotional- express the goals in terms that energize and excite. Passion
Decisive-decide with the full force of your being to accomplish it. This goal is not optional.
Integrated- does it fit with your other goals and overall purpose?
Sensory- use all your senses to vividly imagine the goal being accomplished.
Optimistic- act as if it will happen.
Now- envision and express your goal in present-centered terms.
SMART EDISON comes from the great book Innovate Like Edison by Michael J. Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott. I have found a great deal of inspiration from it.
I agree though, that whatever the goal, it must bring benefits to us.
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