Which option correctly places CAP's SMART goal components?

Which option correctly places CAP's SMART goal components?

• A. Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
• B. Specific, Meaningful, Actionable, Relevant, Timely
• C. Systematic, Measurable, Attainable, Respectful, Time-driven
• D. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

Answer: (D)

CAP's SMART goal framework uses Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Specific means the goal clearly defines what will be accomplished with little ambiguity. Measurable ensures there’s a concrete way to track progress and know when the goal is met. Achievable means the goal is realistic given available resources, skills, and constraints. Relevant means the goal matters and fits with broader objectives. Time-bound sets a deadline or timeframe to create focus and urgency. This exact set—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—best matches the standard CAP formulation, using Achievable instead of Attainable and Time-bound instead of Timely, and Relevant instead of Realistic. Other options swap in terms like Simple, Meaningful, Actionable, Systematic, Respectful, or Time-driven, which don’t align with how SMART goals are defined. An example of a SMART goal would be: “Increase student reading level by 1 grade in the next 12 weeks by practicing targeted strategies.”

CAP's SMART goal framework uses Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Specific means the goal clearly defines what will be accomplished with little ambiguity. Measurable ensures there’s a concrete way to track progress and know when the goal is met. Achievable means the goal is realistic given available resources, skills, and constraints. Relevant means the goal matters and fits with broader objectives. Time-bound sets a deadline or timeframe to create focus and urgency.

This exact set—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—best matches the standard CAP formulation, using Achievable instead of Attainable and Time-bound instead of Timely, and Relevant instead of Realistic. Other options swap in terms like Simple, Meaningful, Actionable, Systematic, Respectful, or Time-driven, which don’t align with how SMART goals are defined. An example of a SMART goal would be: “Increase student reading level by 1 grade in the next 12 weeks by practicing targeted strategies.”