SMART Goals

Plan

Set clear, measurable, and achievable goals.

A public school wants to improve student health by increasing physical activity. They aimed to ensure that all elementary students receive at least 20 minutes of daily movement outside of scheduled PE classes. Success meant 90% of schools reporting daily activity breaks within six months, tracked through teacher check-ins. Teachers already had flexibility in their schedules and access to simple movement guides. The goal supported broader efforts to boost student focus, reduce anxiety, and improve academic performance.

Steps

1. Specific

   Clearly define your goal, stating exactly what you intend to accomplish in concrete terms.

2. Measurable

   Determine specific criteria and milestones to track your progress and define success.

3. Achievable

   Consider available resources, capacity, and realistic constraints when setting your goal.

4. Relevant

   Ensure your goal directly addresses key issues and supports your overall mission and purpose.

5. Time-bound

   Establish a firm timeline with deadlines to create accountability and urgency.

Based on the ideas of George T. Doran (1981).

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