Great Expectations is an approach to teaching that builds on the very best of what is known about teaching today.

Great Expectations is based on six basic tenets:

• All children can learn
• Climate of mutual respect
• Building self-esteem
• Teacher attitude and responsibility
• High expectations
• Teacher knowledge and skill

There are 17 practices that happen in a Great Expectations classroom. Among these practices are:

• Speaking in complete sentences
• Celebrating successes
• Teacher modeling of desired behaviors
• Positive caring environment
• School or class creed recited daily

Great Expectations is not a program. It is a model for teaching.