Aim High: SMART Goals

jtoomey

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Aim High: SMART Goals

Students will learn the SMART goal-setting framework aligned to CASL W2 and SL1 by analyzing real-life and academic examples, collaborating to identify SMART elements, and drafting their own clear, measurable academic goals.

Effective goal-setting boosts motivation, planning, and achievement. This lesson equips 12th graders with lifelong skills in self-reflection, writing informative statements, and engaging in collaborative discussions, ensuring they can set actionable goals for academic and personal growth.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Mix of direct teaching, peer collaboration, and individual practice.

Materials

SMART Goals Slide Deck, - Real-Life Goals Examples, - Academic Goals Worksheet, - SMART Goal Template, and - Goal Reflection Sheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print and organize the following materials for students:
Load the SMART Goals Slide Deck on classroom display
Review CASL standards W2 and SL1 to ensure alignment

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

Pose the question: "What makes a goal effective?"
Students share examples of personal or academic goals.
List key goal characteristics on the board.

Step 2

Introduce SMART Framework

10 minutes

Present the SMART Goals Slide Deck.
Define each component: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
Provide a teacher example of a vague vs. SMART goal.

Step 3

Guided Analysis

10 minutes

Distribute Real-Life Goals Examples.
In pairs, students analyze two examples, identifying SMART elements.
Pairs share findings with the class.

Step 4

Independent Drafting

12 minutes

Students use the Academic Goals Worksheet to select an academic goal.
Draft their own goal using the SMART Goal Template.
Teacher circulates to provide feedback.

Step 5

Share & Reflect

8 minutes

Students pair up to share their SMART goals.
Exchange feedback using the Goal Reflection Sheet.
Select volunteers to present goals to the class.

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Slide Deck

Aim High: SMART Goals

Understanding and Applying the SMART Framework

Welcome everyone! Today we’ll explore how to set effective goals using the SMART framework. Introduce yourself, explain that mastering SMART goals will help them in academics and beyond, and preview the lesson activities.

Learning Objectives

• Define each component of SMART goals (W.2)
• Analyze real-life and academic goals for SMART elements (SL.1)
• Draft and refine your own SMART goal

Read aloud the objectives and clarify each one. Emphasize that by the end of today, students should be able to define each SMART component, spot SMART elements in examples, and draft their own SMART goal.

What Is a SMART Goal?

SMART goals are:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

This framework turns broad aspirations into clear action plans.

Explain that SMART is an acronym guiding clear, actionable goal setting. Highlight that vague goals often fail because they lack structure.

S: Specific

Definition: Clearly defines what you want to accomplish.

Example:
• Vague: “Get better grades in math.”
• Specific: “Raise my Algebra II grade from a C to a B by completing all homework and attending weekly tutoring.”

Discuss how being specific eliminates confusion. Invite a volunteer to compare a vague goal vs. the SMART example.

M: Measurable

Definition: Includes quantifiable criteria to track progress.

Example:
• “Complete 90% of daily reading assignments, logging at least 20 pages per day in my reading journal.”

Stress the importance of tracking progress with concrete criteria. Ask students for other measurable goal ideas.

A: Achievable

Definition: Challenging yet realistic given resources and constraints.

Example:
• “Solve five additional calculus problems each week to improve my problem-solving skills.”

Highlight that goals must stretch ability but remain within reach. Discuss factors that influence achievability.

R: Relevant

Definition: Aligns with your long-term objectives and values.

Example:
• “Improve public speaking skills to prepare for my college presentations and future career interviews.”

Point out that relevance ties the goal to broader ambitions. Encourage students to consider their personal priorities.

T: Time-bound

Definition: Specifies when the goal will be achieved.

Example:
• “By December 1st, complete three full practice SAT exams, one each month.”

Explain how deadlines create urgency and motivation. Invite students to set interim milestones.

Putting It All Together

• Specific: who, what, where
• Measurable: numbers, milestones
• Achievable: realistic steps
• Relevant: meaningful connection
• Time-bound: clear deadline

Next: Analyze samples and draft your own SMART goal!

Summarize each SMART component. Then transition to guided analysis using example sheets and finally independent drafting with the SMART template.

Worksheet

Real-Life Goals Examples

Directions:

Below are four real-life goal statements. For each goal:

Identify which SMART components (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) are present.
Note which components are missing.
Rewrite the goal so it meets all SMART criteria.

Goal 1

“I want to save money.”

SMART components present:
___________________________________________________________
SMART components missing:
___________________________________________________________
Rewrite as a SMART goal:
___________________________________________________________

Goal 2

“I will run a marathon next October.”

SMART components present:
___________________________________________________________
SMART components missing:
___________________________________________________________
Rewrite as a SMART goal:
___________________________________________________________

Goal 3

“I will read 24 books this year by finishing two books each month.”

SMART components present:
___________________________________________________________
SMART components missing:
___________________________________________________________
Rewrite as a SMART goal (if needed):
___________________________________________________________

Goal 4

“I want to eat healthier foods.”

SMART components present:
___________________________________________________________
SMART components missing:
___________________________________________________________
Rewrite as a SMART goal:
___________________________________________________________

Worksheet

Academic Goals Worksheet

Directions:

Use this worksheet to brainstorm and outline an academic goal. Answer the questions below to clarify what you want to achieve, then draft a broad goal statement. You will later refine this goal using the SMART Goal Template.

1. Academic Area to Improve

What subject, skill, or topic do you want to focus on?
___________________________________________________________

2. Current Status

Describe your current performance or understanding in this area.
___________________________________________________________

3. Obstacles and Challenges

List any potential obstacles or challenges that might make this goal difficult.
___________________________________________________________

4. Available Resources and Supports

Identify resources, tools, or people that can help you achieve this goal.
___________________________________________________________

5. Draft Your Broad Academic Goal

Using your answers above, write a general goal statement (not yet SMART).
___________________________________________________________

Next Step: Refine this broad goal into a SMART goal using the SMART Goal Template.

Worksheet

SMART Goal Template

Directions:

Use this template to refine your broad academic goal into a SMART goal. For each component below, describe how your goal meets the criterion. Then write your complete SMART goal statement at the end.

Specific (S)

What exactly do you want to accomplish? Who is involved? Where will this take place?

___________________________________________________________

Measurable (M)

How will you measure progress and know when you’ve achieved the goal? (e.g., numbers, percentages, milestones)

___________________________________________________________

Achievable (A)

Is this goal realistic given your resources, time, and other commitments? What steps or strategies will you use?

___________________________________________________________

Relevant (R)

Why is this goal important to you? How does it align with your personal values or long-term objectives?

___________________________________________________________

Time-bound (T)

What is your deadline for achieving this goal? What interim milestones can you set?

___________________________________________________________

My Complete SMART Goal

Combine the elements above into one clear, concise SMART goal statement.

___________________________________________________________

Worksheet

Goal Reflection Sheet

Directions:

Use this sheet to review your partner’s SMART goal. For each SMART component, note what is done well (Strengths) and offer suggestions for improvement.