Fostering Standards of the Heart: High Expectations
Characteristic 7: High Expectations
Principles and Rationale for Implementing Characteristics of
Successful Schools
Rationale:
For students to make the most of their potential, the
adults who surround them at home and at school must
encourage and expect achievement. Clear expectations for
behavior and performance provide students with a picture of
the kind of person they and their families want them to be.
Having that vision reinforced over and over by teachers and
caregivers becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that helps
children overcome difficulties and challenges. Likewise,
adults in the school setting should be expected to do their
best and model appropriate behaviors. High expectations for
youth and adults help everyone in the school strive to
create an ideal that promotes the best in each person.
Principles:
Involve staff, students, caregivers, and the community in
developing shared goals and expectations for appropriate
behavior.
Recognize students and staff for excellence in learning
and appropriate behavior.
Clearly explain the rights and responsibilities of
students and staff.
Intervene when students or staff are demeaned or harassed.
Expect students to succeed and do their best and help them
view failures as learning opportunities.
Expected Results of a Citizenship Initiative
Students Will
Staff Will
Families and Community Will
Feel respected and safe at school
Strive for personal and social achievement
See expectations modeled and supported by
peers and adults
Feel respected and safe at school
Share responsibility with students for
fostering high expectations
Welcome support from family and community in
maintaining high expectations for themselves and for
students
Feel respected and safe at school
Support school staff expectations for
themselves and their students
Experience a sense of ownership in creating
and understanding high expectations for all youth and adults
in the school