Success Stories

#3 THEY HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR STUDENTS.

“It’s Being Done.” Academic Success in Unexpected Schools (Chenoweth, 2007)

‘It’s our job to get you all to the station.’ Liz Mullins, Oakland Heights Elementary
‘It’s not about feeling sorry for kids. It’s about making sure that they understand what it is they’re expected to do.’ Principal Adderley, Stanton Elementary

“They know that if their students don’t get a good education, they face the probability of a lifetime of poverty and dependence.”
‘We have got to expand <our students’> horizons or we are signing their death warrants.’ Principal Coach Martha Barber, Alabama
‘This is your one chance.’ Principal Esparza, Granger High School

Students are brought into conversations, student work is highlighted and proudly displayed, older students are role models, and teachers tell affectionate stories about students and boast about their work.
“The struggles that students have outside school only increase the regard teachers and principals have for what they are able to achieve in school….Such respect never translates into expecting less from students, just into appreciating the effort that they must put in to achieve.”