Success criteria are the measures used to determine whether, and how well, learners have met the learning intentions (AITSL). According to the NSW DEC 'Strong Start Great Teachers' document, the most significant benefits of success criteria are that they can help to cultivate independent learners, provide effective feedback and create confident students who contribute to activities. When students have success criteria at hand, they are more informed about how they will be assessed. Consequently, they are better able to assess their own and others’ work to identify successes and areas for improvement. ​Best practice suggests that teachers discuss and agree to success criteria with the students in advance of the learning experiences.

Success criteria is most effective when it:

• links to the learning intention
• is specific to a learning experience or task
• is discussed, co-constructed and agreed with learners prior to undertaking the learning experience
• uses child-friendly language
• is visible and referred to during the learning experience
• provides a clear scaffold and focus for learners while engaging with the learning
• is used as the basis for feedback between learner and teacher and during peer and self assessment
• is tangible and measurable 

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Powering Up Success Criteria

One of the ways we can power up success criteria is through combining it with a 4-square criterion reflection. This tool provides a great way for students to self-assess themselves against the success criteria for the lesson, as well as support teachers in providing targeted and meaningful feedback on the elements being focused on rather than the process as a whole. Check out the 4-square criterion reflection tool >>>

Click to access more information about the 4-square criterion reflection

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Some Examples From My Classroom . . .

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!