Off to the Races: Goal Setting in the Spirit of the Kentucky Derby

Connecting the Kentucky Derby and Academic Goal Setting

Imagine goal setting as the Kentucky Derby, a prestigious horse race where preparation, strategy, and determination come into play. Just like jockeys and horses aim for the finish line, students strive to achieve their academic goals. Setting goals for the NWEA MAP test (Northwest Evaluation Association-Measures of Academic Progress, which is administered three times a year) can be compared to preparing for a derby race, where each stage of the race mirrors different phases of goal setting and achievement throughout the school year. The Derby can be compared to breakdown goal setting for other large tests, assignments, or projects during the year.

The Starting Gate - Fall Test: Establishing Baseline Scores and Initial Goals

In the fall, students enter the "starting gate" by taking the initial NWEA MAP test. This assessment establishes their baseline scores, which serve as a reference point for setting their initial goals. To set these goals, students should look at their previous year's test scores or the proficiency benchmarks for their grade level. This step is crucial as it helps in identifying the starting point and setting realistic, achievable targets.

Before this phase of the race begins:

• Select Your Horse: Students choose a racehorse for the year, name it, embellish a picture, and display it in the classroom and their notebook. This adds an element of excitement and personalization to the goal-setting process. There are several ways to have fun creating and naming a horse. Here is a link to a few resources: Kentucky Derby Simulation and Background on the Horses and the Derby.

  
  

• Review Past Scores: Look at last year's test scores to set an initial goal for the jockey and horse.

• Practice Sessions: Engage in practice sessions using large group sample scores, pairs, or individual samples. It might work well to have a class horse and demonstrate the process.

Midrace Check-In: Winter Test: Evaluating Progress and Adjusting Goals

The winter test serves as a midrace check-in, where students evaluate their progress and adjust their goals as needed. This phase is about reflection and recalibration. Students review their winter test scores to see how they are progressing toward their goals. If a fall goal is too ambitious or not ambitious enough, adjustments can be made to ensure the goals are still challenging yet attainable.

During this phase of the race:

• Discuss Progress and Setbacks for the Horse: It is important to have open discussions about what has been working and what hasn’t.

• Adjust Goals: Make necessary adjustments to goals based on the winter test performance.

• Mid-Race Pep Talk: Encourage students to give their horses and jockeys a pep talk. This could be a fun activity where students make a video of an encouraging pep talk to their horse/jockey, boosting motivation and morale.

• Role-Play Immersion: Get fully immersed in the role-play of the jockey, horse, and race. Often, it is easier to analyze and answer questions about something beyond the student.

Achieving Final Goals and Finishing the Race - Spring Test: Reflecting on Progress

The spring test marks the finish line of this academic race. It's a time for students to reflect on their progress, analyze their final test scores, and celebrate their efforts and achievements. This is where all the hard work and dedication throughout the year culminates. Celebrating successes and recognizing efforts, whether goals were fully achieved or not, is crucial for maintaining motivation and encouraging a positive learning experience.

During this part of the race:

• Analyze Spring Test Scores: Reflecting on the  results and identifying areas of improvement and success. (In regard to the horse and jockey, this takes the pressure off the student but allows him or her ownership.)

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize who met their goals and the effort involved in having the guts to start the race.

• Winner’s Circle Celebration: Host a celebration event where students are recognized for their efforts. This can be done specifically with horse names or by totals. Read the positive list of accomplishments, highlighting both individual and group successes.

Overcoming Challenges in Goal Setting

Despite the benefits, many people are nervous about setting goals due to fear of failure, past experiences, or uncertainty about how to set realistic goals. It’s important to approach goal setting with a positive mindset, understanding that setbacks are part of the process and provide valuable learning opportunities. While showing students how to set goals, it is important to share stories where goals have not been achieved. Telling stories and reflecting on goals that did not go as planned with an objective, non-threatening perspective carve out an opportunity for students to see that if things do not work out, it is okay, and there are still ways to move forward. Reflecting on unmet goals helps identify what went wrong and how to improve future goal-setting strategies. Maybe the goal was too ambitious, or the steps to achieve it were unclear. Understanding these factors can lead to better goal-setting practices. And, it is always more fun to frame goals and data around a student’s horse and the derby.

Incorporating the excitement and structure of the Kentucky Derby into academic goal- setting can make the process more engaging and meaningful for students. By visualizing their progress and celebrating their achievements in a fun and personalized way, students can develop a positive and proactive approach to goal setting. This method not only helps them achieve their academic targets but also instills a sense of ownership and motivation that will benefit them in all areas of life. So, let's get our horses ready and race towards success!