Dream Plan Achieve Teaching Script

Slide 1: Dream Plan Achieve

(Display slide 1 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher says:
"Good morning, everyone! Today’s lesson is called Dream Plan Achieve. We’re going to learn how to turn your big hopes for college and career into clear, actionable goals using the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By the end of our time together, you’ll have chosen one goal and mapped out the exact steps to make it happen. Let’s dive in!"

Slide 2: What’s Your Dream?

(Display slide 2 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher says:
"Take a moment to think about your dream for after high school. It might be the college you want to attend, a career you want to explore, or something else you’re passionate about. On a sticky note, write one of those dreams. Use one of the sentence starters I’ve provided if you get stuck."

(Walk the room, encouraging students as they write.)

Teacher says:
"Who would like to share their dream?"
(Select 3–4 students; record their responses on the board.)
"Great! Those are inspiring goals. Now let’s learn how to shape them so you can actually achieve them."

Slide 3: What Makes a Goal SMART?

(Display slide 3 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher says:
"To reach big dreams, we need SMART goals. Each letter helps us make our goal stronger. Let’s go through them together:"

S — Specific
"Your goal needs to be clear and detailed. Can someone give me a specific goal instead of a general wish?"
(Pause; call on a student.)

M — Measurable
"You must be able to track progress. What could you measure to see you’re moving forward?"
(Quick thumbs-up when you understand.)

A — Achievable
"Your goal should be realistic. What makes a goal achievable for you?"
(Invite a brief response.)

R — Relevant
"It should align with your big-picture dreams. Why might relevancy matter?"
(Listen to one student.)

T — Time-bound
"Every goal needs a deadline. How does having a date help you stay on track?"
(Thumbs-up check.)

Teacher says:
"When your goal includes all five parts, it becomes SMART. Let’s see an example."

Slide 4: Example of a SMART Goal

(Display slide 4 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher reads:
“‘I will earn a 3.5 GPA this semester by studying two hours per class each week and attending weekly tutoring sessions, finishing by December 15.’”

Teacher says:
"Now, let’s match each part:
• Specific: ________
• Measurable: ________
• Achievable: ________
• Relevant: ________
• Time-bound: ________

Can someone tell me why ‘studying two hours per class each week’ makes this goal measurable?"
(Select a student; reinforce the idea.)

Teacher says:
"Excellent. That’s SMART! Now it’s your turn."

Slide 5: Your Turn: SMART Goals Worksheet

(Display slide 5 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher says:
"Please take out your SMART Goals Worksheet.

1. Choose one college or career goal that matters to you.
2. Fill in each SMART section on your worksheet.
3. Brainstorm actionable next steps on sticky notes and post them on our board.

You have seven minutes. If you need help, raise your hand or swap ideas with a classmate. Go for it!"

(Circulate, offer support, clarify criteria, scribe for students who ask.)

Peer Discussion

Teacher says:
"Time’s up! Now, pair up with someone near you and share your SMART goal and next steps. Use the Discussion Prompt Cards to guide your conversation. I’ll walk around to listen and help."

(Allow three minutes for pairs to talk.)

Slide 6: Reflection & Next Steps

(Display slide 6 from Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck)

Teacher says:
"Thanks for those great discussions! Now, think of one concrete action you will take this week toward your SMART goal. Write it on a sticky note and post it on our goal board."

(Students write and post their notes.)

Teacher says:
"Wonderful work today, everyone. Keep your goal visible, revisit it each week, and celebrate each step forward. Your dreams are closer than you think when you Dream, Plan, and Achieve with SMART goals!"

Goal Planning Discussion

Objective

Students will engage in structured peer discussions to deepen their understanding of SMART goals, provide and receive feedback on goal plans, and refine their action steps for college and career planning.

Materials

• SMART Goals Worksheet
• Discussion Prompt Cards
• Sticky Notes and Pens

Discussion Guidelines

• Speak respectfully and listen actively.
• One person talks at a time; the other listens and takes notes.
• Use specific language (refer to SMART criteria).
• Offer constructive feedback: focus on goal clarity, measurability, and relevance.

Roles & Time Allocation (5 minutes)

1. Partner A shares their SMART goal and next steps (2 minutes).
2. Partner B asks questions and offers feedback guided by the prompts (2 minutes).
3. Switch roles and repeat (2 minutes).

(Teacher circulates to support pairs and ensure on-task engagement.)

Discussion Prompts (use your Discussion Prompt Cards)

1. Which SMART criterion did you find most challenging to write, and why?
   Follow-up: Can you give an example of how you might revise that part?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How do your chosen action steps ensure that your goal is Achievable and Time-bound?
   Follow-up: What might you adjust if you fall behind schedule?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Is your partner’s goal Measurable in a clear way?
   Follow-up: Suggest one metric or check-in to make it more trackable.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How does this goal align with your partner’s big-picture college or career dream (Relevant)?
   Follow-up: What other steps could strengthen that connection?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Imagine you achieved this goal. What’s the first reward or milestone you would celebrate?
   Follow-up: How can that celebration help keep you motivated?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Next Steps & Reflection

After discussions, write one change you will make to your SMART goal or action plan based on feedback. Post your revision on a sticky note.

Closing: Volunteers share one key insight they gained and one concrete step they’ll take this week.

Connects to Dream Plan Achieve Lesson Plan and supports your work on the Dream Plan Achieve Slide Deck.