Happiest New Year, SuperTeachers!
Welcome to 2025! The year of setting and achieving our goals using proven systems.
Now, let’s be real: most people see the new year as a chance to reinvent themselves, make bold commitments, and set fresh goals. But in education, we’ve got a superpower: we get to reinvent ourselves every single day and every moment of the day. So, if you are feeling less than motivated as you head back to your classrooms, no worries these tips will be here for you when you are ready.
Note: This post is all about GoalSetting so you—and your students—can finish the school year strong.
Why Set a New Goal Now?
We are at the start of a new calendar year, midway through the school year. Perfect timing to set ourselves up for a strong finish!
As educators, we know that planning with the end in mind is essential. So, let’s dive into a SMART Goal to guide us through the rest of the year.
Your 2025 SMART Goal
By the end of the school year, 100% of my students will demonstrate no less than 20% overall growth as measured by their summative assessment scores (unit tests &/or well-designed, curriculum-aligned interim assessments).
Here’s how it breaks down:
Specific: Students will achieve no less than 20% growth.
Measurable: Growth is quantifiable (20%).
Achievable: Every student will show growth.
Realistic: 20% growth is within reach.
Time-bound: By the end of the school year.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Achievable & Realistic
Let’s unpack these two elements:
Achievable
100% of students achieving at least 20% growth? Yes, it’s achievable—but it might feel daunting, especially if you’re working with a challenging class. Let’s break it down:
A student averaging 40% now will improve by 8 percentage points to finish at 48%.
A student averaging 50% now will improve by 10 percentage points to finish at 60%.
A student averaging 60% now will improve by 12 percentage points to finish at 72%.
It’s not perfect. We’re aiming for growth, not instant mastery. Thus this goal is realistic, achievable, and, yes, a step forward.
Making It Happen: Activate Your SuperTeacher Mode
Here’s the key: SuperTeachers are expert progress monitors.
You’re already collecting data: formative, summative, observational, attendance, classroom dynamics—you name it. But data collection isn’t enough.
To achieve these goals, you need to:
Share the data with your students.
Celebrate growth. Highlight progress, no matter how small.
Be transparent about where the class and individual students stand.
Set visible targets for students.
Weekly updates on class averages.
Individual progress updates so students know their current standing and growth trajectory.
Quick Wins: New Year- Classroom Reset
To reset your classroom and set the tone for the rest of the year, try these simple strategies:
Reorganize your physical space. Make it inviting, functional, and fresh for students returning from break.
Revisit classroom routines and agreements. Reinforce expectations and build buy-in from students.
Refresh your visuals. Update bulletin boards, anchor charts, or data walls to reflect new goals and progress.
Engage in reflective goal-setting with students. Let them set their own SMART goals for the remainder of the year.
Celebrate Microscopic Wins
As James Clear emphasizes in Atomic Habits, growth is all about the small wins. Celebrate those with your students!
Publicly share the class average weekly.
Privately share individual progress with students.
Your students need to see it to believe it. Data becomes their compass, showing them the path forward.
Technology Tools for Data Collection
To make data collection and sharing seamless, try these tools:
Google Sheets: For tracking and visualizing class data.
ClassDojo: For sharing progress with students and families.
Kahoot or Edpuzzle: For quick formative assessments.
These tools save time and provide actionable insights.
Overcoming the Biggest Challenge
Potential Roadblock: Not having a sustainable data collection practice.
No worries—help is on the way! Check out this earlier post for valuable insight on the importance of Always Collecting Data. And stay tuned for Wednesday’s blog, where we’ll tackle building a sustainable data collection routine step by step.
Bonus Tips for Differentiation
Remember to tailor SMART goals to meet diverse student needs:
For students with IEPs or English learners, set incremental, personalized growth targets.
For advanced learners, encourage stretch goals that push them beyond 20% growth.
For High Schoo and College educators, setting growth goals for students preparing for college entrance exams or capstone projects can also align with this SMART goal framework. The principles remain the same: measurable growth and targeted feedback.
Here’s to a year of growth, progress, and strong finishes!
Happy teaching, SuperTeachers! You’ve got this. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!
Want tailored support to bring these strategies to life? Schedule a Coaching Call, and let’s co-create solutions that work for your classroom and your students.
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