Key Points to Follow When Aligning Learning Goals to Competencies
A Learning Goal should be something a student can do, or something a student should know. A Learning Goal should demonstrate an enduring understanding that has been internalized. A Learning Goal should arise organically from the ELO. A goal shoehorned into an ELO will confuse and distract the student from the bigger picture. To uncover a Learning Goal: Examine the standard/competency. Ask, “What would the student have to do for me to know he/she has internalized the ability to do this?” Turn the answer to that question into a statement.
Example #1 English LA Competency for Reading: Students will demonstrate the ability to research, comprehend, integrate, analyze and critique a variety of increasingly complex literary, nonfiction and informational texts within a specific genre. I would know a student could do this if he/she were to find and read a variety of texts related to [the ELO], and if the student used the knowledge gained from those texts to discuss, interpret, select, and synthesize ideas related to [the ELO]. Learning Goal #1: The student will compile a reading list of texts related to [the ELO]. (Research) Learning Goal #2: After reading each text, the student will assess the usefulness of the text in relation to [the ELO]. (Comprehend, analyze, critique) Learning Goal #3: For the texts that the student has deemed useful, he/she will create notes summarizing and/or recording key information for later use. (Comprehend, integrate, analyze) Learning Goal #4: The student will integrate the captured information into [the ELO]. (Integrate)
Example #2 English LA Competency for Language Concepts & Development: Students will demonstrate the ability to understand the origin, development, meaning, and nuanced use of increasingly complex words. I would know a student could do this if he/she properly incorporates the terminology and jargon of [the ELO] into his/her reflections, conversations, products, and presentations. Learning Goal: The student will compile a list of terminology and/or jargon related to [the ELO], and will properly incorporate these terms into his/her reflections, conversations, products, and presentations throughout the ELO.
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