Setting Ambitious and Realistic Goals:
Setting goals that are realistic, yet challenging is crucial to making good
on-going decisions within a problem-solving model. Individual goals should be written to
accommodate the needs of each student in the RtI process.
Goal setting can be done at the group level as well as the individual level. For example, in a RtI model, it is expected that the implementation of a high quality, scientific, research-based instructional program implemented with fidelity at core level should result in successful outcomes with at least 80% of all students (National Association of State Directors of Special Education, 2005). When universal screening data find substantially fewer students successfully meeting benchmark, the indication is that changes are needed in the delivery of the core program to improve outcomes for all children. This must be done before a determination could be made of the degree to which supplemental instructional programs at Tier I are impacting outcome. As such, problem-solving teams may implement goals that reflect a focus on improving the school-based outcomes of student performance within the core program.
At the individual level, when students are identified through a RtI process as at-risk (and the core program is determined to be solid), it is critical that measurable goals be established for the individual student so that the outcomes of his or her progress can be measured against appropriate expectations. By setting goals and monitoring a student’s progress toward those goals, the impact of instruction can be assessed in an ongoing manner, and adjustments in instruction and goals can be made as the instruction is proceeding. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to close the achievement gap and meet academic expectations.
A key element of effective goal setting is the establishment of benchmarks specifying the minimal expected performance across students. The rate of improvement (ROI) or slope is a key indicator that sets the criterion against which student performance will be compared. Closing the gap for those students whose starting point is below benchmark would be a critical goal for teams to consider.
Goal setting can be done at the group level as well as the individual level. For example, in a RtI model, it is expected that the implementation of a high quality, scientific, research-based instructional program implemented with fidelity at core level should result in successful outcomes with at least 80% of all students (National Association of State Directors of Special Education, 2005). When universal screening data find substantially fewer students successfully meeting benchmark, the indication is that changes are needed in the delivery of the core program to improve outcomes for all children. This must be done before a determination could be made of the degree to which supplemental instructional programs at Tier I are impacting outcome. As such, problem-solving teams may implement goals that reflect a focus on improving the school-based outcomes of student performance within the core program.
At the individual level, when students are identified through a RtI process as at-risk (and the core program is determined to be solid), it is critical that measurable goals be established for the individual student so that the outcomes of his or her progress can be measured against appropriate expectations. By setting goals and monitoring a student’s progress toward those goals, the impact of instruction can be assessed in an ongoing manner, and adjustments in instruction and goals can be made as the instruction is proceeding. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to close the achievement gap and meet academic expectations.
A key element of effective goal setting is the establishment of benchmarks specifying the minimal expected performance across students. The rate of improvement (ROI) or slope is a key indicator that sets the criterion against which student performance will be compared. Closing the gap for those students whose starting point is below benchmark would be a critical goal for teams to consider.