Power Goals and WIN Time Personalize Learning at Botelle

By Lauren Valentino

One of Botelle School’s SOAR expectations is to Achieve Your Goals. We believe that when students know their goals—what they are learning, why and what success looks like—they are more engaged and motivated. They are partners in the learning process and own their learning.

At the heart of this work are power goals—personalized goals for each student in reading and math that are designed to accelerate learning during individual or small group instruction.

What is a Power Goal?
During whole group instruction, teachers deliver a lesson with a shared learning target for all students. This sets a goal for learning during that lesson. While this builds a shared foundation of knowledge and skills, we recognize that every child has a unique set of strengths and specific areas where they need more support, practice and enrichment.

A power goal is a clear, individual learning target set collaboratively by a teacher, with a student. It identifies the exact skill—whether it’s mastering a specific math strategy or improving reading fluency—that the student needs to master next to reach or exceed grade-level standards. By focusing on these specific goals, we ensure that every student is moving forward at the pace that is right for them.

The Engine of Growth: “WIN” Time
To make these goals a reality, we have dedicated a specific block of the day known as WIN (“What I Need”) time. During WIN time, whole group instruction pauses, and the classroom shifts into a hub of targeted activity. This is when students receive:

• Small group instruction: Teachers work with small clusters of students who share similar goals, providing direct instruction to accelerate their learning.
• Individualized feedback: Educators meet one-on-one with students to check progress and offer guidance on their specific power goals.
• Meaningful practice: Students engage in work that is uniquely relevant to their own learning path, ensuring that every minute of their day is purposeful.
  Our commitment to this model is built on three core values:
• Personalized learning: By utilizing WIN time, we meet students exactly where they are, ensuring every child receives the right level of challenge.
• Student ownership: When a child understands their power goal, they become an active partner in their education. They know exactly what they are working toward and why it matters.
• Celebrating progress: We believe that true success is found in steady, consistent growth. Power goals allow us to honor the hard work and persistence students show every day as they move closer to that target.

Our teachers are dedicated to facilitating these individual paths, and the results are visible in the confidence students show when they master a new concept. Our students are SOARing to success at Botelle School by achieving their goals!

Lauren Valentino is principal of BotelleElementary School in Norfolk.