Example Goals:
1. Number of books read in 9 weeks.
2. Total number of words read. (Students in my classes are encouraged to reach a million words by the end of the school year. One student reached their million words read by the holiday break!) The number of words read are calculated by passed book quizzes.
3. 80% or higher passing rate on book quizzes.
4. Perfect attendance at school.
5. Participate in all classes by answering a question asked by the teacher in front of classmates.
6. Volunteering to read aloud in READ 180 and in other classes.
7. Read at least 20 minutes each night.
8. Complete eReads with passing scores.
9. Improvements in each Reading Inventory.
10. Join a club or after school program to challenge yourself.
11. Answer all questions in the ReaL book to the best of your ability.
12. Complete assignments in each Small Group rotation.
13. Rotate quickly and quietly.

Share Dear Abby's New Year's Resolution with your students. In fact, make individual copies for all students. Next, read it aloud to all students in Whole Group. 

“DEAR READERS: Welcome to 2018! A new year has arrived, and with it our chance for a new beginning by Abigail Van Buren.

Today we have an opportunity to discard destructive old habits for healthy new ones, and with that in mind, I will share Dear Abby's often-requested list of New Year's Resolutions -- which were adapted by my late mother, Pauline Phillips, from the original credo of Al-Anon:

JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker, I'll quit. 

JUST FOR TODAY: I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions."

On the second reading, have students read it as a choral reading or as an Oral Cloze. Then, have students write their own goals and resolutions on the back. As students are writing casually walk around the classroom. Have students share their writings with their elbow partners. Ask for volunteers to share their goals and resolutions to the whole class. Lastly, have students keep the copy in their reading folders and periodically look over them to make sure they are working toward their goals and resolutions.

"When you get all you want and you struggle for self,

and the world makes you king for a day,

then go to the mirror and look at yourself

and see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your mother, your father or wife

whose judgment upon you must pass,

but the man, whose verdict counts most in your life

is the one staring back from the glass.

He's the fellow to please,

never mind all the rest.

For he's with you right to the end,

and you've passed your most difficult test

if the man in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world,

down the highway of years,

and take pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

if you've cheated the man in the glass." by Peter "Dale" Wimbrow Sr. 

Hold students accountable for their hopes, dreams, behaviors, attitudes, and goals.

1. Imagine you have more money than you ever dreamed of. What would you buy? Where would you travel?
2. Now imagine that your doctor diagnoses a rare disease; you will die within 10 years. How will you live your life?
3. Now the doctor says that you have only 24 hours to live. The question isn't "What would you like to do or buy between now and tomorrow?" It's this: "What did you not get to do in life--who did you not get to be?"

The three different scenarios help students to "focus less on net worth and more on self-worth." We want our students to go after their dreams, live their best lives, and be accountable for who they become.