What Great Teachers Do Differently - Expectations

Expectations
Last week we started our series on the book "What Great Teachers Do Differently" by Todd Whitaker.  Our topic last week was centered on people being the driving force behind making a school successful, not the programs.  This week we will look at "The Power of Expectations".

Whitaker says "Great teachers focus on expectations.  Other teachers focus on rules" (Whitaker, p.13).  This is an interesting statement and holds a lot of merit.  By setting expectations for our students from the start we are being more proactive in our approach versus always being reactive.

A great example of setting expectations not rules is "Be Respectful".  I'm sure we can all think of 10 rules that can fall under the umbrella of being respectful.  By using expectations, it gives the teacher much more discretion when disciplining a student.  Whereas, many rules have defined consequences.  Sometimes the punishments don't always fit the crime.  By being vague, yet pointed, in your expectations, you can deal with all consequences differently, yet fairly.'

This chapter deals primarily with student behavior in terms of expectations, but I think it can also apply to student learning as well.  Great teachers set high expectations for their students and are not afraid of the work it is going to take to get there.  They are also not afraid of failure, thus allowing themselves to set high expectations for their students.

Too often we set the bar high enough for students to reach it, but never challenge them by setting the bar just out of their reach.  The fear and letdown we experience when a student doesn't reach the bar we have set for them makes us set the bar lower and lower.  We need to have the mindset of the phrase in the image in this post, "Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  This mindset is so important for everyone.  Aim big, have high expectations for all students.