School and District Improvement Planning: Setting Achievement Goals
Continuing our series on school and district improvement planning, the next step is the process of setting achievement goals.
The process of setting goals to improve student achievement is central to an effective planning process. Goals must accurately reflect a positive movement toward a student performance standard. One method in goal writing is to use the acronym, SMART. SMART goals are:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Results-oriented
T – Time-bound
In addition, whenever possible, goals should be written using No Child Left Behind (NCLB) language rather than Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) language. The following is an example of a goal written using NCLB language:
Based on the 2007 Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT), the number of students scoring at or above proficiency in reading will increase as evidenced by an increase in the Annual Measurable Objective (AMO) from 39.5% to 49.21% and by meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for all population groups.
If you have questions or need assistance with school or district improvement planning, please contact David Cook or Erin McGee.
KSCT Director Search
The Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) is searching for three experienced directors to support an ambitious new initiative in Kentucky to help accelerate student achievement on Advanced Placement course work and exams in Math, Science, and English. This effort is affiliated with the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). For more information contact Joanne Lang or the Kentucky Science Technology Corporation.
IDEA Festival Comments
The Kentucky Department of Education, in conjunction with the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and the 2008 IDEA Festival in Louisville, invited the president and executive director from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to speak about current national work in mathematics and science. The presenters focused on the Mathematics Focal Points and the Science Anchors projects. With an increased emphasis and awareness of the need to improve the teaching, learning and careers in sciences and mathematics, these projects will influence mathematics and science education at all levels.
A short video of the speakers’ interviews and response can be located on the KDE Web site.
Regional “Lights On” Events
Kentucky’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers are sponsoring regional “Lights On” events across the state. The dates and times for each region are:
Region 1: October 23 from 10-1 p.m. CDT at the Butler County Educational Complex
Region 2: October 24 from 3-5 p.m. EDT at the Prichard Center in Elizabethtown
Region 3: October 30 from 6-8 p.m. EDT at Western Middle School in Louisville
Region 4: October 23 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. EDT at the Boone County PD Center
Region 5: October 22 from 1-3 p.m. EDT at Hazard Community College
Region 6: October 25 from 4–7 p.m. EDT Tates Creek Middle School in Lexington
For more information, contact Linda Robinson.
Quotable Quotes
“A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn’t feel like it.”
Alfred Alistair Cook, journalist