A recent study from the Center for American Progress concludes that teachers’ expectations for their students are strongly correlated with students’ graduation rates. Unfortunately, the study also says that teachers don’t necessarily have high expectations for all of their students, especially poorer students and those of color. In particular, the study found:

High school students whose teachers have higher expectations about their future success are far more likely to graduate from college.

Secondary teachers have lower expectations for students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

College-preparation programs and other factors that support higher expectations are significant predictors of college graduation rates.

While this study focused on secondary, we know expectations matter from the very beginning, and our work from early childhood onward shapes the aspirations and ability of all students. At Schools That Can, our tagline is Because Students Can – a belief we know is shared strongly by all the schools in our network!  Keep up the important and life-changing work of believing in our students!

Educationally yours,
Jenn

 

TECH TOOLBOX

Have you ever checked out the Teaching ChannelTeaching Channel is a thriving online community where teachers can watch, share, and learn diverse techniques to help every student grow. Their free website is chock full of videos of teaching practice, Common Core implementation resources, lesson plans, etc.!

Looking for apps that might help increase your productivity? Check out this list of must-have apps for every principal.

And while you are at it, here are some Twitter accounts you might consider following — once you have already followed @SchoolsThatCan and @ChicagoSTC of course!

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Has hiring season begun?  Are you already feeling overwhelmed by the idea of sifting through tons of resumes and applications, only to find few candidates fit the mission of your organization?  Check out MyEdMatch, a platform created specifically to promote mission and culture alignment by connecting schools to teachers with shared educational beliefs and goals. Founded by former teachers, they help schools find and recruit best-fit talent – perhaps they can help you as well.