Academic goals and their importance in education

Academic Goal

Creating a Sustainable Class-Wide Academic Goal

The class is a group of fifth graders who have the statistically determined differing levels of reading level. The goal last year was for at least 60% of the students reach grade level and their previous teacher was able to meet and exceed that goal. Since reading comprehension is such a critical skill as these students progress through the grade levels it is necessary to make sure that they are achieving the suggested grade level in that ability. Therefore, for the present school year, the goal will be to have 85% of the class reach or exceed reading comprehension at their present grade level (fifth grade). This goal may seem to be a lofty and unattainable, but with proper instruction and facilitation it is something that can be achieved.

Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills that a student will use as he or she progresses through school because it relates to every subject. The strategies employed to assist students in this effort have to help build up both their core reading skills and their general analysis skills. Basically, the student has to be able to read at grade level before they can expect to comprehend what they are reading at grade level. The at-risk students in the class will be a primary part of the teaching methods.

The first strategy is to show the students the importance of being able to read and comprehend what they are reading in everything that they do. Every lesson, no matter what subject, will include a lesson in reading comprehension. This practical application step will bring the message home that this is not just busy work. A second strategy is to have the students help each other. The grade level standard set by the state is the goal, and many of the students will be able to achieve it early on in the school year. By working in carefully selected groups, the students can help each other work through some of the problems that they might have. This will be especially true if a student who has struggled but passed the standard helps a student who is still struggling.