1. Learning GoalsLearning Goals
andand
Success CriteriaSuccess Criteria
October 2010October 2010

2. What is a learning goal?
A learning goal is the specific
curriculum expectation re-phrased
in student friendly language.

3. Tips for Using Learning
Goals Effectively
• Start small
• Separate the learning goal from the activity
instructions
• Tell pupils why they are learning it
• Use child-friendly language
• Ensure that students understand the language used
• Make it visible in the classroom – ensure that it is
displayed throughout the learning
• Allow time for discussion with students

4. What are
Success Criteria?
Success criteria are ‘I can’ statements that
specifically outline what the students need
to do in order to achieve their learning
goal.
“…success criteria summarize the key steps or ingredients the
student needs in order to fulfill the learning intention (goal) – the
main things to do, include or focus on.”
-Shirley Clarke
(Ireland School Board)

5. Effective
Success Criteria…
• Are linked to the learning goal
• Are specific to an activity
• Are discussed and agreed with students prior to
undertaking the activity
• Provide a scaffold and focus for students while
engaged in the activity
• Are used as the basis for feedback and peer/self
assessment

6. Why are Success
Criteria Important?
• Improve understanding
• Empower students
• Encourage independent learning
• Enable accurate feedback
• Enable students to be accountable for
their learning
* It is an easy way for teachers to use the
curriculum documents effectively and be
accountable for your teaching *

7. Example of a Learning Goal
with Success Criteria
Learning Goal:
WALT (We Are Learning To…)
* write a scary mystery story
Success Criteria:
WILF (What I’m Looking For…)
* set the scene in the opening paragraph
* build up tension/suspense
* use spooky adjectives and powerful verbs
* end with a cliffhanger

8. Learning Goals
• The ‘what’
• WALT
Success criteria
• How to recognize
success
• WILF

9. From Learning Goal to
Success Criteria
Activity
WALT
We are learning to create learning goals and success criteria.
WILF
• I can identify the writing forms curriculum expectations for my
grade.
• I can break the expectations down into student friendly language
• I can develop success criteria to enable students to be
accountable for their learning
• I can begin each success criteria statement with the words ‘I
can…’
• I can use the example on my table as an anchor

10. Summary
Benefits for Students
• Students are more focused and interested, creating a positive learning
culture
• Students are able to discuss their own work
• Students are able to talk about how they are learning rather than what
they are learning
• Success can be achieved by all students
• Empowers students to become independent learners
Benefits for Teachers
• Teachers are more sensitive to individuals’ needs/achievements
• Relationships between teachers and students are more positive
• Sharing learning intentions and success criteria at the beginning of the
lessons has resulted in teacher and students working more toward a
common goal
• Planning is more effective/focused/ thoughtful
• Feedback can be more focused
REMEMBER this isn’t all new but we need to be
more systematic about using these approaches in
our classroom.