As the school year draws to a close, we recently met with the fifth grade teachers at Sand Creek Elementary to discuss the ABCs program. Each student completed a pre and post evaluation of the program as well as a reflection essay to highlight what they learned through the program. The student evaluation results were compelling to see the hard data about what the students are gaining from participating in the program. What I found to be even more heartening was the stories from the teachers and how the program really motivated their students to achieve. They talked about the students really understanding the goal setting process and that they can achieve their dreams. This is one such story…
James really didn’t care much for school. He wanted to be in the army and was convinced that he didn’t have to work hard in school or get good grades to do that. He was earning points and making limited progress toward his goals to earn his bike, but really wasn’t motivated. It came down to the end of the third quarter, and James was still getting Ds and Fs and was way behind his classmates in earning points toward a bike. His fifth grade teacher sat down with him individually for a tough conversation. The teacher told James that he would be the first student in her class in the past five years who would not earn a bike. James was shocked and his attitude entirely shifted. He really wanted to work hard to earn his points and was constantly trying to get extra work to catch up to the other students. His grades went from Ds and Fs to As and Bs in the fourth quarter and he was so motivated to do well in order to earn his bike. James didn’t really get that he had to work for his bike and that it wouldn’t just be given to him. After that, his attitude completely changed, he was really trying hard, and for the first time getting in all of his homework. The best part about the story is that James was interviewed by one of the local news stations at the Awards Assembly and couldn’t believe he actually achieved his goals to earn his bike.
This story isn’t just about the fifth grade. The impact is immense and the lessons James learned about goal setting will carry him into middle school and success throughout his life.
