The learning goals are based on our unit and grade level standards, which are derived from the Common Core State Standards for kindergarten. Each day, I post learning goals for many of our subject areas, including expectations for behavior. Sometimes, these goals may remain the same, if they pertain to an entire unit or longer lesson. For example, I usually select one behavior goal to work on all week.
As I begin a lesson, I use an extra animated voice and hand gestures and say, "This is important information! Turn your listening ears on!" to grab students' attention and help them tune in to that lesson's learning goal. I often state the goal and have the students echo it back. The goal is restated many times during the lesson, to help students focus on what I hope they will learn that day.
I have been incredibly impressed with children's honesty in rating themselves. They show me their number with their hands held to their chests, in order to keep it a bit more private. It's a great way for me to see how everyone perceives they are doing in relationship to each learning goal, and I think it helps students see where we are headed with our learning.
Examples of our learning goal board and sample learning scales can be seen below:
A learning goal board: