Success criteria are a set of features that a teacher wants to see in a students work throughout a lesson or term. They are a way to ensure that students are moving towards a specific learning goal. Success criteria are communicated to students and provide a means for them and teachers to gauge progress towards learning. Success criteria are aligned with learning goals, which refer to understanding, knowledge, skills, or application. Success criteria should refer to a concrete learning performance, such as something students will say, do, make, or write to indicate they are moving towards the learning goal.
Success criteria are effective because they make learning visible to both the teacher and the student. They provide students with an opportunity to assess their own learning and use feedback to make adjustments, adaptations, and even major changes in what they understand. Success criteria are not just tasks to be completed, nor are they "do your best" or "try hard" statements.
Examples of success criteria include:
- Math: "I can solve multi-step word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division".
- Writing: "I can write a clear and organized paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence".
- Science: "I can design and conduct an experiment to test a hypothesis, record data, and draw conclusions".
- Art: "I can use different shading techniques to create the illusion of depth in a drawing".
- Social Studies: "I can identify and explain the causes and effects of a historical event".
- Physical Education: "I can demonstrate proper form and technique for a push-up".
Success criteria are not limited to academic subjects and can also be used in project management to measure progress towards project goals.
