I have been a teacher for 26 years, a Headteacher for 11 years and, at the age of 50, this much I know about how Katie’s story suggests that target setting might be a rubbish thing to do… Citation is flattering. Barry Hymer, who presents professionally on Growth Mindset, has used an extract from one of my blogs in his Pocketbook on Growth Mindset: We’re weaving Growth Mindset into every aspect of our school life. At our annual Prize Giving I present the Headteacher’s Growth Mindset Trophy. This year I awarded the trophy to Katie. When I decided that Katie should receive the trophy, I sent colleagues an email announcing my choice. I summarised the responses in a number of slides which I showed at the Awards Evening. The last one makes me smile…
I have severe doubts about target setting and its glass ceiling effect. Tom Bennett writes some great stuff, but I reckon the best thing of his I have ever read is this post entitled This engine runs on hope: why schools need to defy the destiny of data. I would cite it all, but this line stands out for me… You know what my expectation of my children is? An A. For everyone. That's the target I set myself, and if I don't get it, well, I try again next year. I don't cry into my coffee, I just try again. If Katie had believed the C grade target we set her for the end of Key Stage 4 was all she was capable of, she probably wouldn’t have taken A levels and gained these grades…
And she certainly wouldn’t be studying at Leeds University right now.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlpjA-QgmQM