Learning Goals & Success Criteria

Students can become independent, self-monitoring learning with regular use of learning goals and success criteria. Effective learning goals are written in student-friendly language and are derived from curriculum expectations. Using the curriculum to create learning goals ensures that you are meeting the specific expectations. (This is especially important in mathematics, as most textbooks are not solely or directly aligned with the Ontario Curriculum.)

It's important to write the learning goals from a student's perspective to encourage students to take ownership of the learning. Learning goals should let students know where they are going and what they will be learning.

Success criteria helps students identify "how" they are going to achieve the learning goals. Students should be involved in the co-creation of success criteria and should be encouraged to reflect on their work and the work of their classmates, identifying strengths and next steps based on the success criteria.

Examples of Learning Goals and Success Criteria, with student work, from my classroom: