This article emphasizes the importance of success criteria as a tool to support students' academic success. Research has consistently shown that strong teacher-student relationships lead to improved academic outcomes, but building strong relationships involves defining their impact on student learning outcomes. Success criteria support personal development and academic success, leveraging relationships by answering three key questions: "What am I learning?; Why am I learning this?"; and "How will I know that I have learned it?" By describing what learners must know and be able to do, success criteria make the learning target visible to both teachers and students. The article further examines the concept of teacher clarity, central to effective learning partnerships within a culturally responsive context. When teachers are unclear, students may lose motivation and engagement, leading to low achievement, especially for underperforming students. Therefore, effective communication through success criteria can support academic success and build strong teacher-student relationships.