Short-Term Goal Setting... On and Off the Field
ame: Richie Hurley, Joel Censer
Organization: Harlem Lacrosse and Leadership (P. S. 149 Boys)
Date: August 22, 2018
SEL Competency: Growth Mindset
Driver of Focus: Goal-Oriented/Mastery-Based Experiences
Cohort Demographics: Middle School
OVERVIEW
HL P.S. 149 identified an opportunity to support students’ academic growth through short-term goal setting, action planning, and reflection. Staff leverage their strong relationships with students and opportunities to reinforce goal setting on the Lacrosse field. Students demonstrated improvement in growth mindset and achieved short-term academic goals.
KEY DETAILS
LENGTH
Ongoing throughout the school year.
Goal setting check-ins were conducted during extended learning times on Friday at the end of school for 90 minutes per week.
Students received adhoc 2 minute one-on-one check-ins with the Program Director.
SETTING
A central, accessible room in a one-floor school that has lacrosse gear on the walls (a central, accessible room).
35 consistent players.
ACTIVITY
Weekly on Friday after progress report release, students would visit extended learning time. Students share progress reports with the Program Director and received targeted support based on the report. For a student that is not on track, the Program Director supports the student in identifying missing homework other plans that could help raise the students’ grade by a small, accessible amount. The Program Director writes the goal on the students’ report and challenges the student to go get the missing homework or other work to be completed during the remaining time. The following week, the same process occurs and small successes are recognized and celebrated.
REASONING
To demonstrate that with goals and planning results can be achieved.
To support students in identifying short-term goals and planning for progress to achieve those goals.
To build in intrinsic motivation - cultivated through mentorship and goal-setting with the Program Director.
To address and support the emotional state of students following receiving a progress report.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR PRACTICE WORKED?
Based on Network-Wide SEL Survey Analysis, Harlem Lacrosse and Leadership at PS 149 Boys cohort was identified by Research Alliance for NYC Schools as one of 18 Bright Spots; meaning they had a greater positive effect on youth SEL compared to sites that serve similar students across the Network. The chart shows the change in the percentage of youth responding positively to Survey questions related to Growth Mindset.
TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Reinforce goal-setting, action plans, demonstrating progress, and celebration of small wins in non-academic activities. Harlem Lacrosse does this during lacrosse drills.
Utilize demonstrated progress in non-academic activities to explicitly reinforce that students can learn and improve in nacademic subjects (writing, math, etc.)
Focus on building strong relationships and buy-in with students before engaging in goal-setting. Consistency in staff response to students (providing resources and incentives for overcoming challenges, praise for success) fosters trust.
Coordinate with school administration and teachers to access academic progress data and feasible/appropriate action plans.
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