Establishing Targets for Lessons

It's imperative that students not only comprehend curriculum, but know why it's vital they do so.  At the beginning of the school year I displayed the comprehensive curriculum on the SmartBoard.  I informed my students that material teachers teach them adheres to the curriculum established by their state.  In essence the content they must learn is the same as every other student in their grade.  I display GLEs that will be covered on the whiteboard and go over them with my students daily; students are aware that GLE stands for Grade Level Expectation.  This method I implement with my students has been fundamental in changing their attitude towards their academics.  Many of my students now strive to master their GLEs.  Another method I use to increase students desire to achieve is setting targets.  My students are aware that 75% represents a grade of "C."  They are also aware that a 75% is one point from a 74%, which represents a grade of "D."  Targets are set by identifying skills my students should have acquired by the end of the lesson/unit; target should be reached with 80% or above accuracy; "C+" or higher. 

Below is a picture of the bull's-eye target I use in the classroom to display targets for each

subject.