Step 3: Setting Student Growth Goals

This is a collaborative process to set clear, data-driven goals for your students, focusing on growth over time.

The "Why" Behind Student Growth Goals

For You, the Teacher: The goal-setting process helps you focus your instruction on measurable student learning. Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Rigorous, Timed) ensures your goals are meaningful and helps you track progress toward them.

For Your Evaluator: Your evaluator will review, provide feedback on, and ultimately approve your goals. This "sign-off" is crucial because it confirms that your goals are aligned with school and district priorities. Throughout the year, they will review the evidence you collect for your goals and score it as part of the evaluation.

How to Set Your Goals

1. Navigate: From the main menu, click on **Student Growth Goals**.
2. Respond to Prompts: Your evaluator may have set up prompts to guide your goal-setting. Answer these first.
3. Write Your SMART Goal: Create a clear and concise goal using the SMART framework.
4. Add Supporting Data: Upload any pre-assessment data or other artifacts that provide context for your goal.
5. Share Your Goals: When you are finished, click the **Share Goals** button. Your evaluator will review and approve them. **Important:** You cannot begin collecting evidence for your goal until it has been approved.

Best Practices for Success

• Focus on Growth, Not Just Achievement: A growth goal measures the progress students make between two points in time.
• Use Data: Base your goals on real data about your students' current performance.
• Make it a SMART Goal: Ensure your goal is Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Rigorous, and Timed.
• Get Approval: Do not start collecting evidence until your evaluator has formally signed off on your goals in the eVAL system.