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Salem Sparks Early Goal-Setting for Every Student
Salem Sparks Early Goal-Setting for Every Student
District leaders are currently exploring how to embed goal-setting into every level of the student experience—from preschool through high school.
Salem School District is laying the foundation for a districtwide K–12 goal-setting initiative—an effort closely aligned with the district’s strategic plan to ensure every student is “future-ready.” Though still in the early planning stages, the initiative reflects a bold vision: empowering every student to graduate with a clear, personalized plan for what comes next.
“This work is directly tied to our strategic goal of preparing students for success beyond high school,” said Nicole Burke, Director of School Counseling. “We want to create a system where students aren’t just thinking about graduation—they’re actively building toward their future, starting from the earliest grades."
District leaders are currently exploring how to embed goal-setting into every level of the student experience—from preschool through high school. The focus is on helping students make the connection between daily choices and long-term impact. As Burke explained, “The decisions you're making today and right now will have a positive impact on your future self.”
Guided by the district’s strategic commitment to student voice and agency, the planning team is asking key design questions—chief among them: “What would a student with these skills look like?” The evolving vision includes students who can identify interests, link them to career pathways, and take proactive steps toward meaningful goals.
A peer mentoring component is also under consideration, with a focus on leveraging older students to inspire and support younger learners. “We want to help younger students think about goals they might have for themselves,” Burke said. “Peer connections can be incredibly motivating.”
While still in development, the initiative is grounded in the district’s broader vision: to equip all students with the tools, mindset, and support they need to succeed on their own terms. “We want every student to graduate with a plan that is appropriate and exciting for them in their areas of interest,” Burke shared.
As the district continues to refine this work, the commitment remains strong: to align every effort with Salem’s strategic plan and ensure that goal-setting becomes a lasting part of the student experience—starting early and growing stronger every year.
Strategic Plan Connections
Goal #3: Prepare every student to graduate with a plan
Initiative 2: Develop a goal-setting culture
- Strategy 1: Integrate goal-setting into the K-12 curriculum