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

For questions about this information, contact dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9117

Last updated on 4/18/2011 3:27:49 PM