Academic Goal-Setting Script

Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

(Slide 1: Success Starts Now!)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly powerful that can help you achieve amazing things in school and beyond: setting academic goals. Think of it like mapping out your route before a big trip. You wouldn't just drive without a destination, right? The same goes for your learning journey."

"To kick us off, I want you to think for a moment: What does 'success' mean to you in school? How do you achieve it? Feel free to share your thoughts with a partner next to you for about 30 seconds, and then I'll ask a couple of you to share with the class."

(Pause for brief partner discussion, then call on 1-2 students to share.)

"Great ideas! It sounds like success can mean different things, but often it involves improving, understanding, and achieving."

(Slide 2: What Are Your Academic Dreams?)

"Now, let's get a little more specific. Look at this slide: What are your academic dreams? When you imagine your best academic self, what does that look like? Are we talking higher grades? Maybe finally understanding that tricky algebra concept? Or perhaps getting all your projects in on time without the last-minute stress? Take a moment to visualize that."

Understanding SMART Goals (10 minutes)

(Slide 3: What Makes a Goal SMART?)

"Achieving those dreams requires more than just wishing; it requires a plan. And a super-effective way to create a solid plan is to set what we call SMART goals. Has anyone heard of SMART goals before?" (Pause for responses.)

"Even if you haven't, that's okay! We're going to learn all about them today. Each letter in SMART stands for something important that makes your goal clear and actionable."

(Slide 4: S is for Specific)

"First up, S is for Specific. This means your goal needs to be crystal clear, not vague. Think about it: if I say, 'I want to do better in math,' what does 'better' actually mean? It's hard to know if I've achieved it."

"But if I say, 'I want to improve my math grade from a C to a B by the end of the quarter,' now that's specific! I know exactly what I'm aiming for. What details can you add to make your goal super clear?"

(Slide 5: M is for Measurable)

"Next, M is for Measurable. This is how you'll track your progress and know when you've succeeded. How will you know if you've done it? What numbers or evidence can you use? Going back to our math example, improving from a C to a B is measurable because grades are numbers."

"If your goal is to read more, how could you measure it? Maybe 'read one chapter every night' or 'finish one book a month.'"

(Slide 6: A is for Achievable)

"Then we have A for Achievable. Your goal should be challenging, yes, but it also needs to be realistic and possible for you to reach. Shooting for an A in a class where you're currently failing might be tough in a short period, but going from a C to a B is often very achievable with effort."

"Ask yourself: Is this something I can actually do? Do I have the tools, resources, or support I need to make it happen?"

(Slide 7: R is for Relevant)

"R is for Relevant. This means your goal should actually matter to you and align with your larger academic aspirations. Why is this goal important to you? How does it connect to your overall learning or your future plans? If a goal isn't relevant to you, it's much harder to stay motivated."

(Slide 8: T is for Time-Bound)

"Finally, T is for Time-Bound. Every good goal needs a clear deadline. When will you accomplish it? 'By the end of the semester,' 'within the next month,' or 'before the next test.' Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused and motivated."

Individual Goal-Setting Activity (10 minutes)

(Slide 9: Your Turn: Set a SMART Goal!)

"Okay, you've heard all about SMART goals. Now it's your turn to put this into practice! I'm going to hand out the My SMART Goals Worksheet."

(Distribute My SMART Goals Worksheet.)

"On this worksheet, I want you to set one academic goal for yourself using the SMART framework we just discussed. Think about a class or an area where you want to see improvement or achieve something specific. Take your time to fill out each section for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound."

"As you work, I'll be walking around to answer any questions and provide support. Don't worry if it takes a few tries to get it just right!"

(Circulate, providing individual feedback and assistance. Encourage students to write down specific action steps.)

Share & Reflect (5 minutes)

(Slide 10: Keep Aiming High!)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. Who would be willing to share one of their SMART academic goals with the class?" (Call on 2-3 volunteers.)

"Thank you for sharing! Those are fantastic examples. Remember, setting SMART goals isn't a one-time thing. It's a continuous process. Regularly review your goals, adjust your plans if needed, and most importantly, celebrate your progress! You've got this."

"To wrap up, I'm handing out a quick Cool Down: My Next Step activity. On this slip, I want you to write down one specific action you will take this week towards your SMART goal or towards developing a goal if you're still refining it."

(Distribute Cool Down: My Next Step and collect as students finish.)

"Excellent work today, everyone! Keep these goals in mind as you move forward. You are now equipped with a powerful tool to take charge of your academic success!"

My SMART Goals Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Think about your academic dreams. What is one specific thing you want to achieve or improve in school?

Let's make it a SMART Goal!

Use the SMART framework to define your academic goal.

S - Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve? Who is involved? What resources do you need?

M - Measurable: How will you measure your progress? How will you know when you've reached your goal?

A - Achievable: Is this goal realistic and attainable given your current situation and resources? What steps can you take to make it happen?

R - Relevant: Why is this goal important to you? How does it connect to your larger academic success or future plans?

T - Time-Bound: When do you want to achieve this goal? What is your deadline?

My SMART Academic Goal:

Write out your complete SMART goal here!

Action Steps:

What specific steps will you take to achieve your goal? List at least 3!

Cool Down: My Next Step

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Reflect on your SMART academic goal (or an academic goal you are developing).

What is ONE specific action you will take this week to move closer to your goal?

Why is this action important?