We begin our goal setting with conferences in September. These conferences provide me with the opportunity to learn about my students while establishing a warm, open relationship with parents. I encourage parents and students to verbalize what they feel is important to accomplish during the school year. My role during the conference is to listen and to ask questions. Setting goals is a basic, lifelong skill.
Goals guide and focus one's energy.
Because our students have been involved in Goal-Setting Conferences since kindergarten, they often have very clear opinions regarding their own goals. On the other hand, some do not. I note the child's strengths. Parents are the resident experts on their children. They know a child's history and way of approaching the world.