The OCS elementary school was recognized in 2016 as a Great Expectations® Model School. OCS embraces the Great Expectations®. Great Expectations® is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence. The Great Expectations® teaching/training model is guided by six basic principles (Tenets). These Tenets provide guidelines for program training and implementation and serve as standards for evaluating GE schools/districts.
Great Expectations
The Tenets
High Expectations
Teachers must hold high expectations of students. When students recognize those expectations, they will respond by reaching upward to achieve them.
Teacher Attitude & Responsibility
Teachers who have positive attitudes possess the influence necessary to shape the attitudes of students. The teacher’s attitude is one of a facilitator of learning who encourages and believes in students, and who requires excellence in every detail.
All Children Can Learn
All children can learn no matter what labels are placed upon them, whether it is learning disabled, low socioeconomic status, unstable home life, inner-city, or rural.
Building Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem is the key to helping students believe they are capable of learning and motivating them to try.
Climate of Mutual Respect
Students are empowered to take risks necessary for growth when encompassed in a climate of mutual respect in which mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and their ideas and efforts are appreciated. The teacher must extend the same respect to students that he/she desires to receive from them.
Teacher Knowledge and Skill
The teacher must be knowledgeable and skillful in learning theory and teaching methods that enable students to achieve academic and social success.
