A Great Expectations School

Much of the information on this page is found on the Great Expectations website.

All Sequoyah Elementary teachers and their principal have received specialized training from the Great Expectations program.  Great Expectations is an eclectic approach that encompasses the very best of what is known about teaching.  Drawing from many learning theories, teachers do what it takes to teach the students.  Through an integrated, holistic curriculum, students become self-directed learners, productive citizens, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and cooperative contributors to the classroom as well as society.

The Great Expectations classroom is unique in many ways.  A climate of respect and high expectations is established and maintained by the knowledgeable teacher who believes that every child can and will learn.  The teacher is also skilled in building esteem and providing individualized instruction.

The teacher initiates mutual respect in the classroom by eliminating put-downs, ridicule, and negativity and replacing it with unconditional caring and respect for others.  A safety net of unconditional love and trust is created where students feel they can take risks, make mistakes, learn from them and grow without the fear of failure.

The teacher believes that every child can learn and will not allow the students to fail.  Everything possible is done to provide students with the tools and skills they need to be successful.  Success is guaranteed through individualized instruction, attention to the learning style of the student, constant encouragement, a strong analytical phonics program, and an integrated curriculum.  Math, science, social studies, language arts and fine arts are integrated and taught in conjunction with one another.  All of these elements maximize understanding and relevancy.  The little successes are celebrated with vigor.

Successful students have a vision of their future and what they can become.  Because of this, they perform better scholastically and are enabled to handle life's demands.  Challenging subject matter that is well-taught and thoroughly presented helps students to be their best. By providing integrated holistic lessons that are highly motivating, the children learn to make connections to real life and therefore retain the lessons because they are relevant.  Daily recitations of character building poetry and quotations provide opportunities for a sense of achievement.   Students are recognized and appreciated, given responsibility, aided in learning to set goals and persevere as their self-esteem grows and they become confident, competent people.

The Great Expectations classroom is exciting, challenging, and scholarly.  Students and teachers are co-learners on a quest for excellence.  Great Expectations offers hope for the future, excellence and success for today.

The 6 Basic Tenets of Great Expectations