John’s Story

John’s long-term goal is to get in to a business program at the college. He has been in the program for 4 months and is doing well. He is nearly finished level 4 communications and math. His personal circumstances, however, make it necessary for him leave the program. He needs to start looking for work. He requests a reduced schedule, so he can spend his afternoons job searching. John plans to return to the program as soon as he can.

Unfortunately, we do not know if John will return to the program. If John’s success is measured by his long-term goal completion, he cannot be counted as a statistical success if he leaves the program 4 or 5 weeks later. He did not achieve his long-term goal of getting into the business program. Nor will John likely consider himself a success. If, on the other hand, a short-term goal such as completing his level 4 subjects had been established for John, he might be able to achieve this goal before he gets a job and leaves the program. If John gets a job right away, perhaps he can be encouraged to attend evening classes to complete his level 4 subjects.

Another possibility exists. A new short-term goal could be set – one that helps John prepare for employment. Either way, the focus on the short-term goal benefits both John and the program. If John feels successful, he may be more motivated to return to the program and work towards his long-term goals.