Aiming High: Applying Goal Setting to Social and Emotional Learning Skills in the Elementary Classroom

Goal setting is used to track progress on academic and behavioral outcomes. It can also be extremely effective in monitoring progress toward social and emotional learning (SEL) goals. In this article, we provide an overview of effective goal setting in the classroom to support SEL skill acquisition and development, and practical examples of how to implement goal setting with elementary students with and at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders. Examples of progress monitoring and ideas for how to intensify goal supports are described.