1. Handout #1-Goal Statement Examples – May 2014
GOAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES
Definition: Narrative articulating the “Big Idea” upon which the SLO is based. [See “Big Idea” and
essential questions of the curriculum framework outlined in SAS-Standards Aligned System website].
Example 1: High School Economics
 GOAL STATEMENT: “Understand and apply economic concepts such as scarcity; income,
profit, and wealth; assess the functions of government; evaluate markets and economic systems;
and, examine economic interdependencies.”
 RATIONALE: “This course is designed to give students a comprehensive study of the structure
and functions of the national income and price-level determinations. Students develop the
inquiry and analytical skills necessary to better understand economic systems.”
Example 2: High School Family and Consumer Science
 GOAL STATEMENT: “Nutrition, eating habits, and preparation choices impact overall health
and wellness throughout the lifecycle at individual and societal levels.”
 RATIONALE: “Throughout the lifecycle, students will be able to analyze their nutritional
needs, food selection, and use safe food preparation techniques in order to make healthy
decisions for individuals, family, and society.”
Example 3: Grade 8 Art
 GOAL STATEMENT: “The goal of the Grade 8 Art SLO includes: (a) demonstrating skills,
techniques, elements, and principles of the arts learned, studied, refined, and practiced; (b) using
tools and resources as well as experiences and skills to create art; (c) expressing experiences and
ideas throughout time and across cultures; and, (d) using formal and informal processes to assess
the quality of works in the arts.”
 RATIONALE: “Student artwork can be evaluated through tasks that demonstrate process,
product, and understanding of the formal, informal, and interpretive qualities of visual art.”
Example 4: Grade 3 Physical Education
 GOAL STATEMENT: “Students will apply basic movement skills and concepts. Students at
this grade level will focus on manipulative skills and concepts.”
 RATIONALE: “A competent (skillful) mover is more likely to be active for a lifetime. This
goal prepares students to build physical activity skills for use in future grade levels.”