A learning objective tells students what they’re aiming for. Success criteria show them how they’ll know they’ve hit the target. By making expectations explicit, teachers empower students to monitor their own progress and take ownership of their learning.
What Are Success Criteria?
Success criteria are clear, specific statements or examples that describe exactly what successful achievement of a learning goal looks like. They answer the student’s question:
“What will it look like if I’ve done this well?”
These criteria can be:
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Checklists (e.g., “Includes a thesis statement, three supporting points, and a conclusion”)
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Rubrics (describing performance at different levels)
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Models & Exemplars (showing what high-quality work looks like)
Why Success Criteria Matter
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Clarity for Students – Removes guesswork and reduces anxiety.
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Consistency in Assessment – Ensures fairness in grading.
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Supports Self-Assessment – Students can evaluate their work before submission.
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Guides Feedback – Feedback becomes specific and actionable.
Example: Turning an Objective into Success Criteria
Learning Objective: Students will be able to write a persuasive paragraph.
Success Criteria:
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Clearly states an opinion in the first sentence
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Includes at least three supporting details
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Uses linking words (e.g., because, for example, therefore)
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Ends with a strong concluding sentence
Tips for Using Success Criteria Effectively
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Co-Create with Students – Involve learners in building the list for better understanding and buy-in.
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Use Student-Friendly Language – Avoid overly technical terms.
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Display & Refer Often – Keep them visible and revisit them during lessons.
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Model & Compare – Show examples of work that meets and doesn’t meet the criteria.
Final Thoughts
Success criteria transform learning objectives from abstract statements into concrete roadmaps. When students understand exactly what success looks like, they can aim with confidence, reflect on their progress, and make targeted improvements.