Learning Targets

Beth Duellman
Saint Marys University of Minnesota
Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
Classroom Environment Artifact
EDUW 694 Classroom Environment
Cathy Anderson, Instructor
March 4, 2016

Classroom Environment Artifact

I decided to work on recording learning targets or I can statements for my classroom. I
currently have a combination of systems that is not as predictable for my students. In math, I
always have the I can statement printed and posted on the front board for the beginning of the
lesson. In the other subjects, I go between writing the statement on the board or verbally telling
students the lesson objective. To give my students more ownership of their learning, I wanted to
make the objectives clear and easy to follow.
First, I made an electronic copy of the learning targets for reading, writing, math,
social studies, and science. I currently have printed out the I can statements and they are
hanging on the white board in the front of the classroom. The visual reminder along with
the verbal reinforcement will help more students make the connection to the objectives
for the lesson. It helps the students identify the main idea or key points of each subject.

Next, I decided to make a checklist for students in math, reading, and writing. I plan to
give each student a handout with the learning objectives from the
current unit. This allows students to see the scope and sequence of the
lessons. As we move forward, they can reference what has already
been covered and ask questions if needed. It gives the students
ownership to monitor the objectives covered in class.
Finally, I decided to make a handout for parents to inform them of the upcoming units of
study. I chose not to use I can statements because I wanted to include more information on the
handout. The items listed on the handout are the learning objectives in a
bulleted list. I wanted to give parents an idea of the concepts left to
cover this year in an easy to read format.
The learning targets are taken from the Common Core State
Standards and the curriculum used by my school district. We use Math
Expressions, Good Habits, Great Readers, Lucy Calkins, FOSS Science, and MacmillanMcGraw-Hill Our Countries Regions as our guiding curriculums. As mentioned above, I made
an artifact for teachers, students, and parents. Learning targets or I can statements are evidence of
Charlotte Danielsons Framework for Teaching Domain 2: The Classroom Environment,
Component 2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning. By posting and stating learning objectives, I
am setting the expectations for learning and achievement for that lesson. The objectives also
model the importance of content and really point out what the students should be able to do by
the end of the lesson. By giving students the scope and sequence of learning targets, I am
allowing students to take ownership in their learning. With the added responsibility of
monitoring their learning process, students will likely show pride in their work. That is why I
decided to focus on learning targets for my classroom artifact.