What are learning targets?

Learning targets are specific, measurable statements that clearly define what students are expected to learn and demonstrate in a given lesson or unit. By articulating these targets, educators provide a focused framework that guides instruction and assessment. This clarity helps both teachers and students understand the learning expectations and outcomes, allowing for targeted teaching strategies and evaluation methods that align directly with the defined learning goals.

When learning targets are well-defined, they facilitate formative assessments, enabling teachers to adapt their instruction based on student understanding and progress. This approach promotes student ownership of their learning, as they can more readily see the connection between their efforts and the specific expectations set forth. In contrast, more general objectives or anecdotal records lack the specificity and measurability that make learning targets effective for guiding instruction and assessing student learning.