S.M.A.R.T goals

1. S.M.A.R.T goals Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High School Fall/Spring 2012-13 Naviance

2. Why Create a S.M.A.R.T goal? • Almost all successful people have one quality in common; The habit of goal setting • SMART goals challenge you to focus on what’s most important. Not-so-SMART goals can be unclear, unrealistic, and difficult to reach • They help you track your progress and record your achievements • If you learn how to set goals during high school so you can make sure you are taking the necessary steps towards accomplishing your dreams • If you are unable to map out a career plan and set goals you may also have a hard time reaching your goals (get away from if's and but's) learn to set goals now to make sure you are taking the necessary steps towards your dreams.

3. What does S.M.A.R.T stand for? • S (Specific and clear) • M (Measurable) • A (Achievable and Ambitious) • R (Relevant to you) • T (Timely)

4. What are good S.M.A.R.T goals? • S (Specific and clear) – For example, instead of saying, “My goal is to be a doctor,” try, “I will earn an M.D. degree by my 30th birthday.” Be specific about what you want to accomplish and when you plan to finish. Be clear so you know when you have accomplished your goal • M (Measurable)–With a SMART goal, you can set up milestones along the way to measure your progress. If your goal is simply to go to college, how will you track your progress? If you want a four-year bachelor’s degree by age 24, your milestones could be taking geometry by 10th grade and earning a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.33 or better. • It should have characteristics that you can see when you complete your goal. For example “do well in school” is not as measurable of a goal as “earn an A in first-semester English 9.” • A (Achievable and Ambitious) – Make sure your goals are reasonable. If your goal is set too high, you might get discouraged and give up. If your goal isn’t challenging enough, you could miss out on a sense of achievement when you reach the finish line. Decide what information or help you will need. What stands between you and your goal? Allow plenty of time to get information and overcome any challenges.

5. What are good S.M.A.R.T goals? • R (Relevant to you) – It is easy to let other people set goals for you based on what they want in your education, career, and future plans. But goals set by others can be tough to reach because your heart isn’t in it. SMART goals are important to you and your life • T (Timely) - Make sure you pick a completion date that allows you enough time for you to accomplish your goals. Don’t be afraid to get off track, make mistakes, or adjust your goals. Be persistent and advocate for yourself if you need help in meeting your deadlines. For example, instead of choosing a goal related to attaining a certain career, try a goal that you can complete along the way such as gaining an internship in a certain field, entering college with a certain major, etc.

6. What kind of goals will you set • #1 Career Readiness (CarR) • #2 College Funding (CF) • #3 College Readiness (CR) • #4 High School Graduation (HSG) • #5 Post HS Transition Success (TS) • Optional: Other Goals (OG) (For goals falling outside of the other categories) • THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CREATING YOUR GOALS: • What is important to you and what do you need to do to achieve your career and personal goals? It’s your life and here is where you take official ownership of your future. • What do you need to do today, this week, next semester, this summer, next year and in 5-years to ensure you reach your goal? • If you are still stuck, what goals do you need to accomplish to help unleash your dreams (begin writing in a journal, more research, or talk with your school counselor?

7. No matter how hard you try to set a SMART goal and stick to it, you might discover that your goal is too easy, too hard, or just not right for you. • If that happens, try to figure out why?? • Do you need to put in more effort? • Maybe you should take a break and refocus on your goal • Do you need more information? If so, talk to a family member, friend, or counselor for help • Was your goal unrealistic? Rethink your options and possible next steps • Did something beyond your control cause problems for you? You might just need to try again • Take time to evaluate your progress, adjust your goals, and celebrate your achievements.

8. Naviance There are two ways to start your S.M.A.R.T goals: #1-Click ABOUTME then click GOALS #2-Click MY PLANNER the click GOALS

9. Select ADD A NEW GOAL and get started You will be creating 5 goals one in each category

10. Fill in the blanks Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T goals

11. ALL DONE??Other things you can do on Naviance • Manage Tasks that are created by your counselor and assigned to you. They can be pretty important (some of them can be required to graduate!), so make sure to go through them and make sure you’re on track. • To-dos are actions you created for yourself to complete. You can relate them to a goal you make or a task that your school has assigned to you. It’s a good way to keep track of work you need to do or things coming up on your calendar. • Using your NavianceMy Planer tool can help you manage your time, set goals and stay on top of both your school’s college & career counseling program assignments, as well as your personal plans. • If you have any questions please email your counselor MrsReteguin or Mrs. Arredondo by clicking the contact uslink located on the right hand side of your Naviance home screen. You may always physically come in and see your counselor.

12. Questions? • Remember: • Every instance of professional and personal success is an example of goal setting • Your counselor will mark your task as complete when she reads your goals, feel free to email her when you are done 