Post-Residential Action Plan- Online Instructions
Online PRAP Information for Mentors
Once you are logged on and are viewing goals, you will see three types of goals: Core Component, Intermediate, and Long term.
Goals in the 8 Core Components are to be completed while the cadets are here in the residential phase. At least 1 goal per Core Component is required by graduation from the Residential Phase.
Intermediate Goals are to be completed during the 12 month Post Res phase, essentially from now until -- June 2008. Intermediate Goals include:
-Placement (Where will I be working or attending school in 12 months?)
-Housing (Where will I be living in 12 months?)
-Transportation (How will I get from where I live to where I work/attend school in 12 months?)
-Transition (What will I be doing until I can start on my primary goal?)
-Other is the backup plan in case their main goal becomes unworkable, or it can be used for a totally separate goal.
It was recommended to the cadets they use the Intermediate Goals as the first steps toward their Long Term Goals.
Long Term Goals are 3-5 year goals. Long Term goals include:
-Placement (What will I be doing in June 2010-2012?)
-Housing (Where will I be living in June 2010-2012? )
-Transportation
-Transition
-Other
On the website, the cadets are asked "What is your goal?" They type in their goal, hopefully in proper format.
** Each goal is viewed separately on the computer screen. We stress to the cadets to think about how each goal is part of a "big picture", and can either support each other or can conflict with each other. Where they live and their transportation will definitely affect placement. Placement, to some degree determines their income, which will affect their options for housing and transportation. The cadets were told they may have to set priorities and make choices in order to be realistic. Some cadets have a hard time accepting this idea.
Goals are to be in SMART format - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timebound. We also recommend the cadets set Relevant goals - in other words the cadets should know why accomplishing the goal is important to them. How does it benefit them?
We teach them to write the goal in some variation of the following:
"I will _____________ by 10 May 2007"
"By October 2007 I will ____________"
"I will be _________ through June 2008"
We recommend using numbers as much as possible. For example:
"I will increase my pushups to 55 by 10 may 2007"
Below the goal, the cadets answer the 5 questions: Is it Specific? Measurable? etc.
Whether a goal is Achievable and Realistic is often determined by the deadline or target date the cadet sets for reaching the goal. For example:
"I will own a house by July 2007" (Realistic? Doubtful)
"I will own a house by July 2012" (Realistic? Possibly)
"Explain the steps necessary to achieve your goal" is the next block. Steps to accomplish the goal should be small goals with shorter deadlines. As the cadet completes each step they get closer to achieving the goal. Steps written this way also make it easier for the cadet to track their progress and know whether they will meet the goal deadline or not. One example given to the cadets was a goal of writing a book report due in several weeks, consider 14 June 2007 for this example.
Goal: "I will turn in a final draft book report by 12 June 2007"
Step 1: I will finish reading the book by 15 may 2007
Step 2: I will complete my outline by 22 May 2007
Step 3: I will complete the rough draft by 29 May 2007
Step 4: I will edit and revise the rough draft by 5 June 2007
Step 5: I will complete the final draft and turn it in by 12 June 2007
Steps are actions, things they can do. Steps should be measurable in some way, so anyone can tell if they were actually accomplished or not. Many cadets try to use statements like "Stay motivated", or "maintain focus" in place of actions. The question is then "what will you do to stay motivated, or maintain focus? What you will do should be the steps.
"Explain what might keep you from reaching your goal" follows. In this step, cadets should brainstorm and list all the possible things that can interfere with completing the goal.
The next block is Resources or "Who or what will support you in reaching your goal?". Again, the cadet brainstorms all the people, organizations, skills, etc that will help them achieve their goal.
The bottom block "Explain what steps you will take to overcome what is keeping you from reaching your goal" is where the cadets problem solve and list what they can do to prevent, or work through whatever they identified that can stop them from reaching their goal.
**These last three blocks are a chance to identify possible problems and their solutions in advance.
Any time a cadet changes something in a goal, it creates a new version. You can see the earlier versions if you like by clicking on the version drop down menu.
Type any comments, suggestions, questions or input for your cadet in the Cadet Note block. Cadets can view your input, but can not respond through this internet connection. Keep in mind that the cadets typically get one class period each week (either Monday or Tuesday) to enter and update these goals. Please do not expect quick changes or response to your questions, etc. Please try to keep your comments positive. Telling your cadet their goal or plan to achieve it is "stupid", "impossible" or in any way talking it down will probably not be received well or accepted. Encourage and guide.
Any input or questions you have for Staff can be entered in the Staff Note block. Cadets can not view comments in this block. Staff members in general are not consistently viewing this because it is new. Please do not rely on this as a way to communicate with the staff.
Please direct any suggestions, questions or problems with the PRAP, what your cadet is entering in their PRAP, and this website to Mike Krajnik, phone# 269-968-1368, or at krajnikm@michigan.gov .
