Great Expectations Recognizes 'Model Schools'

Schools acknowledged for commitment to Great Expectations methodology, which emphasizes mutual respect, academic excellence

NORMAN, Okla.– Great Expectations, a non-profit foundation that provides intensive professional development to teachers and administrators, announces its 2013-14 highest recognition: Model Schools. Based on Great Expectations theory implementation, there are three categories of recognition, including Transitional School, Progressive School and Model School.

To be named a Great Expectations Model School, over 90 percent of the teachers must successfully implement all of the classroom practices. The school’s principal must also model the classroom practices, and the school needs to serve as a standard that other administrators and educators can visit and learn from.

The Great Expectations training model is guided by six basic tenets and 17 classroom practices. The tenets and practices provide guidelines for program training and implementation, and they serve as standards for evaluating Great Expectations schools.

The basic tenets include:

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

“We strive to transform teachers’ lives and remind them why they began this profession in the first place,” said Linda Dzialo, Ph.D, president and CEO of Great Expectations. “The Model Schools achieve the greatest excellence and create supportive, nurturing environments. Put simply, these schools lead by example.”

View all of the Great Expectations Model Schools for 2013-14 here: http://www.greatexpectations.org/schools_model.php.

View the complete schedule.

Featured

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Houston-Area High School Receives Best Project Award from ENR

    Tomball West High School near Houston, Texas, recently received a K–12 Education Best Project Award in Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Texas & Southeast Best Projects Awards, according to a press release. The new facility was completed in May and opened its doors to students for the fall 2026 semester.