In the chronic absenteeism SMART example, which element is shown by 'Monitor student attendance rates'?

• A. Measurable
• B. Specific
• C. Time-bound
• D. Attainable

Answer: (A)

Measurable. When you say “monitor student attendance rates,” you’re setting up data collection to track progress over time. It means you’ll gather attendance data (percent days present, trends, thresholds) so you can quantify whether attendance is improving and by how much. That kind of observable evidence is what makes a goal measurable.

The other elements aren’t indicated by this phrase: a specific goal would state a precise target to reach (for example, an attendance rate to achieve by a certain point), a time-bound goal would include a deadline, and an attainable goal would address feasibility given resources and constraints. Here, the focus is on collecting data to gauge progress, which is the essence of measurability.