Chapter 4: Capacity Building 69Goal Attainment Rating Scale
A goal attainment rating scale (GARS) can be used to develop
coaching goals, as well as a way to measure progress or success of
achieving those goals (Kiresuk, Smith & Cardillo, 1994). GARS is a
strengths-based way to measure and document incremental change
for individuals. Progress is tracked on a measurement scale where
each scale point has been described by a behavioral “anchor”
statement that clarifies the meaning of a given rating. GARS are
most frequently used by individual learners, but can be used for
teams as well (Kloseck, 2007).
The basics of GARS
Learners develop a series of scales based on where they expect to be
within a specified time frame in regard to integration of new skills.
Creating these scales can be an impactful way to build excitement
and enrollment for the learning process.
GARS are five-point rating scales. The middle point on the scale
corresponds to the expected learning outcome (SMART objective).
For example, “By the end of 6 months I will be writing harm and
danger statements for at least half of my case load.” This is what the
learner thinks would be the “most realistic/likely” level of
implementation in relation to a plan objective. The higher and lower
points on the scale simply indicate if the learner achieved more
success than expected, or less.