SMART Objectives list

OBJECTIVES: Describe results to be achieved and the manner in which results will be
achieved. Well-written objectives help set priorities and targets for progress and
accountability.
Yes No
1. Is the objective SMART?
 Specific: Who? (Target Population) and What?
(Action/Activity)
 Measurable: How much change is expected?
 Attainable: Can be realistically accomplished
given current resources and constraints.
 Relevant: Addresses needs and proposes
reasonable action steps to lead to desirable
results.
 Time-phased: Provides a timeline indicating by
when the objective will be met.
2. Does it relate to a single result?
3. Is it clearly written?

Examples:

Objective 1: At least 50% of ABC district schools will adopt nutrition standards for food served
as outlined in the State’s Department of Education Model School Wellness Policy.
This objective is not SMART because it is not time-phased. It can be made SMART by
indicating by when schools will adopt nutrition standards.

SMART Objective 1: At least 50% of ABC district schools will adopt nutrition standards for
food served as outlined in the State’s Department of Education Model School Wellness Policy
by June 1, 2009.

Objective 2: By May 15, 2009, students will be moderately to vigorously active at least 50
percent of the time.
This objective is not SMART because it is not specific. It can be made SMART by indicating
when/where students will be expected to be moderately to vigorously active.

SMART Objective 2: By May 15, 2009, students will be moderately to vigorously active
at least 50 percent of the time in all physical education classes.

SMART Objective Template:

By___/____/___, ________________________________________________________will
[WHEN-Time phased} [WHO/WHAT-Specific, NUMBER-Measurable]

________________________________________________________________________.
[HOW, WHY (remember to specify results)]
Adapted from: SMART Objectives Checklist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006
 SMART Verbs

Use strong action verbs when you are writing an objective to help your objective be
action-oriented and focused. Action verbs are more measurable and better able to
communicate the intent of what is to be implemented. Use only one action verb in a single
objective. Here are some examples of action verbs:

• achieve • deliver • integrate • reconstruct

• acquire • demonstrate • interpret • record
• act • design • introduce • recruit
• activate • determine • invent • redesign
• adapt • develop • investigate • reduce
• administer • diagnose • judge • reorganize
• advise • direct • launch • report
• analyze • discover • learn • represent
• arrange • display • lead • research
• assemble • distribute • make • resolve
• assess • document • maintain • restore
• assist • edit • manage • restructure
• audit • eliminate • market • retrieve
• budget • ensure • monitor • review
• build • establish • motivate • revise
• calculate • estimate • navigate • schedule
• centralize • evaluate • negotiate • secure
• clarify • expand • obtain • select
• classify • expedite • open • solve
• coach • experience • operate • staff
• collaborate • experiment • organize • standardize
• collect • facilitate • originate • streamline
• communicate • finalize • participate • structure
• compile • finance • perform • supervise
• complete • forecast • plan • supply
• compose • formulate • prepare • survey
• compute • generate • present • systematize
• conceptualize • guide • prevent • teach
• conduct • handle • process • test
• connect • help • procure • train
• consolidate • identify • produce • translate
• construct • illustrate • program • unify
• consult • implement • propose • unite
• coordinate • improve • provide • update
• counsel • increase • publicize • write
• create • initiate • publish
• decide • inspect • purchase
• decrease • install • quantify
• define • instruct • reconcile

Adapted from: SMART Objectives Checklist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006