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Published: Mar 14, 2024

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41 Important Classroom Expectations (for This School Year)

Setting classroom expectations – by establishing ground rules early on – can help to not only underpin your behavior management plan and ensure prosocial behavior in the classroom.

Perhaps more importantly, it can help create a culture of learning through high expectations for doing your best, turning up ready to learn, and showing respect to one another in the clasroom.

A few years back, I conducted a visual analysis of classroom rules charts in schools in Northern England. Based on that data, I collated some of the most common classroom rules across different classrooms.

So today, I’ll share 27 ways you can set high expectations in the classroom that you should implement in the first two weeks of your new school year in order to promote a productive, safe, and inclusive class environment.

Classroom Expectations for All Ages

1. for preschool and kindergarten.

Rules of Behavior

• Respectful Interaction : Treat classmates and teachers with kindness and respect at all times.
• Listening Skills : Listen attentively when others are speaking and wait for your turn to talk.
• Following Directions : Follow the instructions of teachers and staff promptly and accurately.
• Sharing and Cooperation : Share resources and work cooperatively with others during group activities.
• Personal Space and Safety : Respect personal space and practice safe behaviors in the classroom and playground.

Academic Expectations

• Active Participation : Actively participate in classroom activities and discussions.
• Curiosity and Exploration : Show curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and activities.
• Completion of Tasks : Strive to complete assigned tasks and activities within the given time.
• Question and Discovery : Encourage asking questions and seeking answers as part of the learning process.
• Creative Expression : Express creativity through various activities like drawing, crafting, and storytelling.

2. For Primary and Elementary

• Responsible Actions: Take responsibility for your actions and belongings in and out of the classroom.
• Positive Social Interaction: Engage in positive social interactions, showing respect and kindness to peers and adults.
• Adherence to Rules: Follow school and classroom rules consistently and understand the consequences of not doing so.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts peacefully and seek help from adults when necessary.
• Independence and Initiative: Show independence in daily routines and take the initiative in seeking help or information when needed.
• Engaged Learning: Remain engaged and attentive during lessons and participate actively in discussions.
• Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems and understand new concepts.
• Organization and Time Management: Organize work and manage time effectively to complete assignments and projects.
• Goal Setting: Set and strive towards individual academic goals, understanding the steps needed to achieve them.
• Continuous Improvement: Show a commitment to continuous improvement by seeking feedback and working on areas of difficulty.

3. For Middle and High School

• Respect and Empathy : Demonstrate respect and empathy towards peers, teachers, and staff in all interactions.
• Accountability for Actions : Take accountability for your actions and understand their impact on the school community.
• Positive Participation : Actively participate in school activities and contribute positively to the school environment.
• Self-Advocacy : Advocate for your needs and rights in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Digital Citizenship : Practice responsible digital citizenship, using technology and social media ethically and respectfully.
• Advanced Engagement : Engage deeply with academic material, showing a willingness to explore complex topics.
• Independent Learning : Develop and demonstrate independent learning skills, taking initiative in your education.
• Critical Analysis and Debate : Critically analyze information and participate constructively in debates and discussions.
• Research and Inquiry : Conduct research and inquiry projects, showing ability to synthesize and evaluate information.
• Preparation for Future Goals : Actively prepare for future academic and career goals, making informed choices about courses and extracurricular activities.

Additional Expectations to Consider

• Have a Growth Mindset : Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Cultivate a positive attitude towards learning, understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and persistence.
• Seek Answers Yourself (Before Asking the Teacher) : Take the initiative to find solutions to questions or problems independently before seeking assistance from the teacher. This approach encourages self-reliance and critical thinking, as it motivates students to explore various resources and methods to understand concepts.
• Do Your Personal Best : Strive to achieve your highest potential in every task, whether academic or extracurricular, by putting in your best effort and dedication. This expectation fosters a sense of personal responsibility and pride in one’s work, regardless of the outcome.
• Celebrate Other People’s Successes : Actively recognize and appreciate the achievements of others, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment. This practice not only builds a sense of community but also encourages a culture where success is shared and celebrated collectively.
• Proactively Prevent Harm : Be vigilant and proactive in identifying potential risks or unsafe situations in the classroom and take appropriate measures to prevent harm. This expectation ensures that students prioritize safety and contribute to a secure learning environment for everyone.
• Be Resourceful : Utilize available resources creatively and effectively to solve problems or complete tasks. This entails thinking outside the box and making the most of the tools and information at your disposal, thereby enhancing problem-solving skills and independence.
• Exercise Compassion : Show empathy and understanding towards the feelings and situations of others, creating an inclusive and caring classroom atmosphere. This practice encourages students to develop emotional intelligence and strengthens the bonds between classmates.
• Think Ahead : Plan and anticipate future needs or consequences of actions, both in academic tasks and personal conduct. This forward-thinking approach helps in developing foresight and decision-making skills, essential for personal and academic success.
• Keep an Open Mind : Remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and methods of learning, embracing diversity in thoughts and experiences. This mindset encourages adaptability, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn from various sources and viewpoints.
• Be Inclusive : Actively include all classmates in activities and discussions, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or beliefs. This practice fosters a sense of belonging and respect in the classroom, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported in their learning environment.
• Follow the Golden Rule : Treat others as you would like to be treated, demonstrating kindness, respect, and fairness in all interactions. This principle serves as a foundational guideline for behavior, promoting a positive and harmonious community where mutual respect is paramount.

Behavior Management Strategies

Behavior management is often the hardest thing for new teachers to master. But without it, the classroom will not have a culture of learning.

You can choose your own strategy to establish classroom norms – from assertive discipline on the conservative end of the spectrum through to the progressive maangement model on the other.

But, a good place to start is with my video on 15 classroom management strategies all teachers need:

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Articles & Advice > Majors and Academics > Blog

How to Set Reasonable Expectations for the New School Year

Setting smart expectations for the school year will help you stay on track academically and minimize your stress. Here are a few steps to help you plan ahead.

by Lianna Jacob CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: Nov 9, 2023

Originally Posted: Sep 10, 2022

The start of a new school year can be both exciting and daunting for many students. To combat your feelings of stress, a helpful thing to do as the semester starts is to lay out reasonable expectations and goals for the upcoming year so you can be prepared for what’s to come. Here are a few steps to assist you in planning ahead for a successful academic year.

Reflect on the previous year

A good place to start in setting expectations for the new school year is reflecting on last year. Think about where you were academically in the beginning, middle, and end of the school year and take note of any changes as the year progressed. Did you experience any differences in your study methods or GPA? Did you have to switch or drop any classes? What was your workload like? Were you able to balance your academics, extracurriculars, and social life? As you contemplate, write down the important factors that made significant impacts on your life, but don’t get hung up on the details unless they hold value to your future success. Reflection like this can allow you to see academic and personal areas where you may have made mistakes, what you may have done differently in certain circumstances, and how you would like to take that lesson with you into the future. This first step can set you up for success and allow you to go into the new school year fully prepared.

Related: 7 Easy Ways to Make Your Semester More Mindful

List your strengths and weaknesses

Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses can help you both now and in the future as you learn more about yourself. Making a list can help you identify your weak and strong points to customize your goals and expectations by highlighting or working on them. Set your expectations based on what your strong areas are, then adjust them accordingly based on what you may need to improve. For example, if you think you need to improve your personal responsibility to handle an increased workload for the upcoming year, you can think of ways to space out your work into smaller segments or adjust your schedule to make more time to study. 

Form a detailed list

After completing these first two steps, sit down and create an actual list of all the expectations you have for the school year. Whether it’s related to academics or extracurriculars, write down what you think is most important to consider throughout the year. As you form your points, remember your strengths and weaknesses and find ways to incorporate them into your plan. Take into consideration your reflections as well. Incorporating all these aspects will give you a better overall picture of the year. For example, maybe your math class will be more rigorous than it was the year before, so you’ll have to dedicate more time to study . You know math is a strong suit of yours, but you can’t use that as an excuse to study less. Therefore, you decide to devote a decent amount of time to studying math. This is a detailed point that allows you to clearly state your expectation and relate it back to yourself. 

Related: The Best Back–to–School Advice From Real Students Like You

Setting expectations that are detailed and thoughtful can greatly benefit you. Taking time to make them can be helpful to stay on track during the year and focus on your future. You’ll be better prepared for what’s to come and less stressed when you have to adapt to any surprises that arise.

Find more great advice like this to have a successful and exciting academic year in our Majors and Academi cs section.

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Lianna Jacob is an undergraduate student who has gone through the college admission process and wants to share her experience with others! She enjoys learning more about her Christian faith and spending time with family and friends.

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Hopes for a New School Year

• Share article

Excitement. Possibilities. Hope.

Filled with the uncontainable urge to smile from ear to ear until it hurts, I sit eagerly thinking about the first day of school and all of the days that will follow until the end.

As cheesy as it sounds, the school year is a magical time where relationships form, risks are taken, lessons are learned , and we become.

Each day is comprised of unlimited potential for incredible growth and learning and that is truly amazing; there’s just no other way to say it.

This year, I’m mixed with anticipation for the new and a twinge of sadness for the loss of my own classrooms. Although I recognize the loss of that ownership, I prefer to dwell on the unlimited possibilities of the many classrooms I have the ability to touch in my new position, rather than focus on the absence of what I’ve thrived on for years.

The beginning of the school year is like my favorite holiday. Barely able to sleep the night before, I sit in wonder of the day will bring and who I will meet.

This year is no different in that regard, but the “who” I will meet promises to present a whole new level of learning and I can’t wait.

Perhaps in the past I’ve been accused of being too enthusiastic (if that is even possible), running into school days ready to take risks, increasingly with less fear of failing. That tangible passion and excitement breathes in my skin and permeates my being. I hope the whole school community can read it on me.

So it’s with that thought that I express my hopes for this school year:

• I’ll lead transparently, willing to take risks, make mistakes, and transparently reflect and grow from them with the professionals I’ll be working with.
• I’ll listen intently to their wisdom and thoughts as I engage in collaborative dialogue that values all voices.
• I’ll watch with an open heart, with the only the expectation to further develop the talent that already exists and make learning even better for the students in each classroom.
• I’ll remember that every child and every teacher has a story worth knowing and I will make it my business to know them all and not just the CliffsNotes version, but the unabridged.
• I’ll come to school wearing a smile regardless of what is happening in my personal life.
• I’ll share openly what I know and what I need to know to model the expectation for everyone.
• I’ll continue to read, grow, and ask for support because it isn’t about my ego, it’s about making learning awesome for all kids.
• I’ll set goals, meet goals, revise goals, and keep setting more goals as needed, investing in my role as lead learner.
• I’ll participate in activities, both in and out of school to celebrate the learning of students and educators.

As my nerves bubble up and ready myself for bed, I request that each of you willingly share what you learn along the way and ready yourself to share your awesome wisdom as we continue to travel on this journey together.

Happy New School year!

What are your greatest hopes for this new school year? Please share.

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Going into my senior year, I have a lot of expectations. Expectations for my grades, my classes, after school activities, and of course, the benefits of being a senior. I’m going into this year knowing it will be challenging, critical, but most all, knowing it will be the best year in high school.

I hope to be a part of a great senior class, and make great personal and academic achievements. One thing I’m excited about, is my first year taking an A. P. course. A.

P. Government has already been a challenge so far, only 3 days into the course.Also, English being my favorite subject, I have high expectations for the literature I will get to read. And I’m so excited about being a senior in general.

Getting to have senior field day, and Project Graduation are things I’m expecting to be very fun. I can hardly wait. Starting of my senior year right, I have A. P. Government bright and early for first period.

With not even a week of it under my belt yet, I can already tell this course will work me to the bone. But signing up for this A. P. ourse, I’m getting more than just a college credit, and a vaster knowledge of the American Government. I’m receiving lessons in discipline.

I’m no longer being treated like a child, I’m being treated like and adult. This is something that I find will give me a great advantage in life. I’m being taught Smith 2 how to be responsible at a young age, instead of having to learn the hard way later on in life. I’m also expecting to become socially aware, and be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about the American Government.Being a part of this course, I expect, will pay of in more ways than just one.

Switching subjects, English has always been my favorite. (I feel slightly deprived only having it for one semester this year. ) I love reading anything, and everything. I’m hoping to read some great old literature, and one thing I’m very excited about is reading mythology.

Greek mythology is one of my all time favorite things to read, and I’m expecting to read some great things when we dabble in it this semester. I’m also anticipating this to be a challenging, thought-provoking, course.One thing I am also expecting is to have fun with this course. English is always so much fun to learn, and I can not wait to start with reading books and discussing what they mean. I love hearing peoples different opinions on how they read a book. And I am definitely expecting some great conversations about that.

And of course, being a senior, I’m over-all expecting a fun year. This year I have some awesome perks. I see it as a reward of sorts, for making it through the first 3 years of high school.From the smallest things, like finally getting to wear a “senior” sweatshirt, and getting to go to lunch early; to the biggest like the senior trip, or having senior field day. I can not wait to just have a day outside with all my friends.

I’m expecting it to be so much fun! Also, I’m looking forward to Project Graduation, but most importantly, I’m Smith 3 excited for the actual graduation. And one thing I’m expecting, but not so much looking forward to, is the ceremony being very, very, very, long.And since my last name starts with an “S”, I’ll be waiting through the very long ceremony anxiously, to walk up and get my diploma. With all the things I’m expecting to get out of my senior year, I think the fact that I’ve made it this far is an accomplishment in itself. Going into this year I of course expected this to be a challenging, conditioning, thought-provoking year. And so far, all of those expectations have proved to be true.

But I also expect this year to be fun, rewarding, and absolutely the best year I’ve had in high school. And so far, I haven’t been let down.

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Eng 111 at lehman college, fall 2021 (prof. dalton).

Expectations: Myself, My Class, My Professor

This year, I have put a couple of expectations for myself. First one is to continue doing my best, even when it can get really hard. I am a good learner, but I have struggled with virtual classes this past year and a half. 

As everyone in this class, I have a set goal of what I want to achieve academically, and I will work towards that goal.

I expect our instructor to be respectful, compassionate and understanding. As you all know, our lives can become pretty chaotic, so it is important to be able to talk and get the help and assistance that we need. Instructors define part of our experiences.

Same thing goes for all of the students in this class. We are no longer high school students. Let’s talk to each other with respect, without judgement.

Karen Dortbucuk

5 thoughts on “ Expectations: Myself, My Class, My Professor ”

I hope you can achieve all your goals, however difficult they are. Also, I agree with you that our teacher should be a bit considerate with us since it is our first year in college and as others say “nothing is easy in college because it is not like high school.”

if it is possible to help each other.

Hi Karen, I think you did a great job following the prompt (Informal Writing Prompts, Fall 2021). That aside, I think you make a great point when you say we should talk to one another, especially with respect and without judgement. Personally, I have been in situations where these type of morals aren’t really appreciated or even used, and takes a toll on ones mental health. Since we are social creatures, I think it’s a great idea to socialise more, even though we could be nervous at first. Hopefully, all of our expectations are met in the next four years+ of college, and maybe we can make good connections from that outcome. Thank you for sharing your expectations with us! 🙂

I also had a hard time with virtual classes, it’s nice to relate to others.

hello! I totally relate to you about struggling with virtual classes! When im at home I get distracted super easily and it takes me forever to get back on track. I hope throughout this year we both get better with this. Not only that but I also struggle with asking for help so it makes me happy to know that I’ll be able to ask for help without judgement

I agree with you about having the same level of respect for all students and teachers. I also have struggled with online learning and I think in-person classes is better now that we are in college

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Essay on Expectations In Class

Students are often asked to write an essay on Expectations In Class in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Expectations In Class

What are expectations.

Expectations in class are like a list of what teachers and students hope will happen. Think of it as a promise to do your best, be on time, and be ready to learn. Teachers expect students to listen, work hard, and be kind. Students expect teachers to explain things clearly and help them when they’re stuck.

Why Expectations Matter

Having clear expectations helps everyone know what to do. It’s like having a map for school success. When students meet these expectations, classes run smoothly, and learning is easier and more fun.

Meeting Expectations

To meet expectations, students should pay attention, do their homework, and ask questions. Teachers should give interesting lessons and help everyone understand. When everyone does their part, the class does well together.

250 Words Essay on Expectations In Class

Expectations are like silent rules that teachers and students follow in a classroom. They are the things that everyone thinks should happen while at school. For example, a teacher might expect students to listen when they are talking, and students might expect their teacher to explain lessons clearly.

Teacher’s Expectations

Teachers look forward to students being on time, paying attention, and doing their homework. They want everyone to try their best, be kind, and ask questions when they don’t understand something. It’s not just about getting the right answers; it’s about trying to learn and grow.

Students’ Expectations

On the other side, students hope for a few things too. They want teachers to be fair, helpful, and make learning fun. When a teacher is nice and explains things in a way that makes sense, it’s easier for students to enjoy school and do well.

Respect and Responsibility

Both teachers and students should respect each other. This means listening, being polite, and not interrupting. Everyone is also responsible for their own actions. If you make a mistake, it’s important to say sorry and try to do better next time.

Working Together

When everyone knows and does what’s expected, the class runs smoothly. Teachers can teach better, and students can learn more. It’s like being on a team where every player knows the game plan and works hard to win.

Remember, good expectations make school a better place for everyone. When we all do our part, we can achieve great things together.

500 Words Essay on Expectations In Class

What are expectations in class.

Imagine walking into a room where everyone knows what to do. That’s what expectations in class are all about. They are like invisible rules that help students and teachers work together smoothly. These expectations tell us how to act, how to learn, and how to treat each other in school.

Why Are They Important?

Having clear expectations is very important. It’s like playing a game where everyone knows the rules, so no one gets confused or upset. When students know what is expected of them, they feel more secure and can focus on learning. Teachers also find it easier to teach when they don’t have to stop and remind students about the rules all the time.

Expectations for Behavior

One big part of expectations in class is how students should behave. This includes being kind, not talking when the teacher is talking, and keeping hands to oneself. It’s like being on a team where everyone has to play fair and respect each other. When students behave well, the class can be a happy place where everyone can learn and have fun.

Expectations for Learning

Another part is about learning. Teachers expect students to try their best, whether it’s reading, writing, or solving math problems. It doesn’t mean everyone has to be perfect, but it’s important to give it your all. When students work hard and don’t give up, they can learn new things and feel proud of what they can do.

Expectations for Homework

Homework is also part of the expectations in class. It’s like practice for sports; the more you practice, the better you get. Teachers expect students to do their homework and bring it back on time. This helps students remember what they learned in class and get ready for the next lesson.

Expectations for Participation

Joining in is another expectation. Teachers want students to raise their hands, ask questions, and share ideas. It’s like adding different colors to a painting; every student’s thoughts and questions make the class more interesting and help everyone learn more.

How to Meet Expectations

Meeting expectations can be easy if you listen to the teacher, follow the rules, and try your best. It’s like following a recipe; if you do what it says, you’ll end up with a great cake, or in this case, a great day at school. If you’re not sure about something, just ask the teacher. They are there to help you.

In conclusion, expectations in class are all about knowing what to do and how to act so that everyone can learn and enjoy school. They help make the classroom a better place for both students and teachers. When everyone understands and follows these expectations, school can be a fun and interesting place where all students have the chance to grow and succeed. Remember, it’s all about trying your best, being kind, and working together.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Experience In Senior High School
• Essay on Gadget Addiction
• Essay on Future Technology

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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What Are The Right Student Expectations for My Child?

• September 10, 2022

• What are student expectations? 
• How do I set the right expectations as a parent? 
• Student expectations and rewards 
• Setting student expectations for your child FAQs

After a long summer of rolling eyes, refusing to eat at the table, and sluggishly flicking through mindless Netflix shows, getting back into the swing of the school year can be hard. This is why knowing the right student expectations for your child is crucial. 

Fear not, the team at GoStudent are here to help with everything you need to know about student expectations for the new school year. ✅

What are student expectations?

The best way of thinking about student expectations is as a framework that helps your child succeed in school and grow as a person. As a parent with back to school 🎒 upon us, the main question on your mind is probably: what are the right student expectations for my child ? 

The first step in understanding student expectations is to visit the school’s website to see what they have to say when it comes to rules and policies. Here we are going to cover: 

Knowing the school behaviour policy 

• What if I can’t find the school’s behaviour policy for student expectations? 
• Should my child be socialising more? 

Every school has what is called a ‘behaviour policy’. A behaviour policy is basically the school rules. It is usually presented as a document where the school outlines: 

• what the school student expectations are
• what rewards students get when they follow the students expectations
• what the sanctions or consequences students get if they fail to follow the rules

Every school will have slightly different student expectations in their behaviour policy. Generally speaking, they all tend to include the following ideas and concepts 💡: 

• Complete all of your homework on time and to the best of your ability 
• Follow classroom rules set by your teacher – they sometimes vary teacher to teacher 
• Wear the correct uniform – this sometimes includes a strict coat policy
• Be on time – if your child is persistently late to school, you might want to read our guide on how to get them there on time
• Use an inside voice – some kids just love to be loud 
• Be prepared for class – this means to turn up with the correct books and school stationery  
• Be considerate and respectful to teachers
• Show respect for school property and other students
• Stay seated during classroom activities and events – it is important to ask for permission to get up. This might sound harsh, but it really helps the teacher keep control of the classroom. 
• Help each other – collaboration and teamwork are important life skills which all schools expect students to learn
• Work quietly and follow directions
• Raise your hand before speaking
• No extreme haircuts – many schools in the UK now ban dying hair ‘unnatural colours’ and any stripes. Some schools may send your child home if they come in with a cookie-monster-blue trim – as cool as it might be!

As well as this list, each and every school has its own rules (some of which students or parents may not necessarily agree with). It is important to bear in mind that the school has probably set these rules because of problems they’ve had to face in the past. 

It is important to remember that the school’s expectations go beyond the school grounds: they also expect good behaviour outside the school including in public and at home. 😇 This is because behaviour policies, school rules, and student expectations all tie into the school mission and values.

It might be a good idea to read through the school’s behaviour policy with your child. As well as reminding them of what they already know, it reminds them that both you and the school take the student expectations seriously. 

While most children like to push boundaries when it comes to behaviour, there are ways to positively manage challenging behaviour in children . Remember, if your child’s behaviour is out of control at home, you can talk with the school for support. 

What if I can’t find my school’s behaviour policy for student expectations? 

Schools sometimes don’t make it easy to find their behaviour policies and rules because they’re considered internal documents. It’s worth noting that these documents don’t always make for ‘happy clappy’ reading, unlike school leaflets or other parent-facing communication. 🤦

If you can’t find it, we suggest that you do a google search: [SCHOOL NAME] behaviour policy’ and Google usually finds a link straight to the policy. Another thing that you can do is email the school reception and request a copy be sent to you and they should be willing to help. 

Should my child be socialising more?

Some kids make friends quickly whereas others struggle a bit. It is ok if your kid isn’t socialising as much as Ms Jones’ daughter. Just remember, children develop at different stages and shyness in children is normal. It is also ok if they have one or two close friends instead of dozens of casual friends. 

If you are worried that your child isn’t making friends, maybe check out our post about how to help your kids make friends . 

It is always good to encourage your child to take part in an extracurricular activity; for example, there are loads of benefits to joining the school debate club – including the possibility of making new friends!

How do I set the right expectations as a parent?

Sometimes it can be hard to know how to set the right expectations as a parent. Here are two options for you to consider: 

Parent A:  

‘Look at Mindy Jones! Look at how much she does! Why aren’t you more like her?!’ 😡

Maybe this isn’t the best approach… 

‘Hey I saw that the school has a debate club. How about you try it out next week? If you don’t like it you don’t have to go again.’ ☺️

Parent B is taking a more constructive approach . This has a better chance of succeeding in engaging a child. One of the things you might notice is that the second example sets an expectation without even framing it as an expectation. 

When it comes to school rules, it is sometimes worth having a conversation to remind your child of what is expected of them. Saying something like:

‘I had a look on your school website and they said it was important that you bring the right equipment. Did you bring your calculator for maths today?’ 

It is almost always best to reinforce expectations with positivity rather than negativity. 

Depending on your child’s age, you might need to explain to them why certain student expectations are important. This might involve creating a scenario or roleplaying so that they can see the impact of not following a certain expectation—such as not being careful with bringing their calculator to maths class . 

If your child struggles with meeting student expectations, it might be worth starting with two or three expectations (without minimising the importance of the others) and going from there. It might even be something as simple as ‘I’ll get you a reward if you manage to go two weeks without getting a detention ’. 💫

Some students struggle to behave themselves in school because they are overwhelmed with their academic learning. One of the best ways to support your child here is with some specialised one-to-one tutoring . There have been many cases where tutoring changed a child’s attitude to school and learning.

Student expectations and rewards

Rewards are an important tool to motivate children and foster learning. As well as radiating positivity, make sure that you celebrate your child’s achievements. Even if it doesn’t seem like a lot, telling your child that they’ve done a good job can sometimes make their day – this is true for both parents and teachers! 

Some parents like to have a points based system. Every time their child successfully meets an expectation, they get a point and a certain number of points builds up to a reward. We all prefer the carrot to the stick! 

Never underestimate the power of a star chart ! ⭐

But why do children need rewards? Many children, depending on their age, don’t understand what is the right or wrong thing to do. For example, a younger child might not understand why it’s not really ok to scream with excitement in a quiet space. 🙉

The idea of self-restraint for the consideration of others isn’t something that kids are able to immediately grasp and apply in their daily life. But sweets on the other hand, that’s easy to understand.

As a parent you want to find a balance between rewards and teachable moments where you can engage your child on how to behave and why in different situations. Just remember it’s a marathon not a sprint! 

As your child grows up they will eventually learn that we do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and we’re not necessarily always rewarded for it—but that doesn’t stop us from trying to be good people and meet expectations. 💁

Setting student expectations for you child FAQs

These are some answers to common questions about student expectations.

What expectations do teachers have for students? 

If we were to keep it brief it would be: 

• Turn up on time to all lessons
• Behave in a respectful and considerate manner 
• Complete all work to the best of your ability 

What is the difference between student expectations and academic achievement?

Student expectations relate to both behaviour (social) and academic achievement (developmental). Academic achievement refers to how well a student is learning: one form of measurement might be exam results. 

Having a student who is achieving top grades and still throwing paper planes around the classroom is still failing to meet student expectations overall.

How do I know if my child is meeting student expectations? 

The best way to know if your child is meeting student expectations is through:

• your own observations
• talking with your child
• talking with their school

Usually you can tell if your child is behaving badly. However, their behaviour at home might not always reflect their behaviour at school. 

As well as asking your child how they’re getting on, you can also ask their school. If you are worried, you have every right to make an appointment with their form tutor. It is very important to have good parent-teacher communication . 

The school should also send you a report at least once a year and arrange a parents’ evening to update you on your child’s learning and development. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and you're more confident in knowing what student expectations to have of your child and how to assert them. If your child isn’t quite meeting their academic expectations, you might want to consider signing them up for some one-to-one tutoring with GoStudent – the trial session is free !

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How Students and Teachers Can Develop Clear Expectations for Learning

Simply sharing what teachers hope kids will learn may not be enough—constructing expectations together helps guide students to understanding.

Ensuring that students are clear on the expectations of learning is one of the most effective ways to impact student achievement . Yet, I have found, through trial and lots of error, that establishing clarity is not a straightforward process for students or teachers.

There was an assumption on my part that if “I do” the sharing of expectations with kids, they will learn. I thought if I shared the learning expectations verbally, stated the goals clearly on the board, provided easy-to-read rubrics, and gave students time to write down the learning expectations, they would develop clarity. That didn’t seem to do the trick for most kids. Akin to hearing a lecture without checks for understanding, students watched me teach but didn’t take an active approach to ensuring that they understood the expectations of learning.

Next, I tried the “you do” approach by having students review an outline, preview a passage, or review a previously taught lesson to determine what we might be learning in the future. Again, the whole class came up short on what we were learning. Without my guidance, students strayed from finding the purpose of the learning.

After a time, I found that the best way for students to develop clarity of expectations was through a “we do” process, using activities where both students and I engaged with one another to build clarity of what we were learning together. Research calls this co-construction . I found that this process not only provided students with a better understanding of what we were learning but also gave me a better understanding of what students knew when we began a unit or lesson.

3 Popular Co-construction Strategies

1. Silent protocol: One of the most efficient and effective ways to co-construct expectations of learning is to show students the exact steps to successfully accomplish the learning goals you want them to meet. For example, simply show students an example of how to solve a math problem, but do so without talking. See if they can do the following:

• Write down the specific steps that you have taken
• Share the specific steps with their friends and create consensus
• Revise their steps after viewing multiple examples from you

Here are a few examples:

• The teacher solves several addition of fraction problems with unlike denominators and asks students to write down the steps that they took to solve the problem.
• The teacher writes three paragraphs of an essay in front of students and asks the students to write down the key steps that they took to write the essay.

2. Error analysis: Having students detect errors from others (either the teacher or their peers) is highly engaging and allows students to develop an awareness of common misconceptions. For example, in one class, students were told that they would be assisting the teacher in developing success criteria toward a goal (i.e., counting objects). The teacher began counting and making a number of errors, including repeat counting of the same object, skip counting objects, and repeating the same number in their counting. Each time the students stopped the teacher, the teacher asked these questions:

• What was the error?
• Why was that an error?
• How do we rectify the error?

After the discussion, students shared the steps they took and how to use those in the future. The next day, the teacher presented a rubric to support them in counting. The students thought the teacher should have the rubric up on the wall so that she wouldn’t forget how to count!

• Present students with multiple drafts of a scientific lab report, and have students serve as a senior editor to determine what criteria other editors should be using when assessing the lab report.
• Present students with drafts of paintings that have a myriad of errors, and have them determine the criteria needed to prevent such errors in the future.

3. Evaluating examples: One of the most powerful ways to ensure that students have clarity of learning expectations is to provide work samples. For example, imagine that a second-grade teacher was expecting students to write a personal narrative. He or she presents an example of mastery to students and asks each student to independently write down what they think makes the personal narrative successful.

Next, the teacher asks the students to discuss their criteria with a partner and then asks the class to create consensus on one list. The teacher then asks students to use their list to evaluate other work samples. In this last step, students debate and reference the mastery example when making claims. 

• Provide students with a recording of students reading a passage, and ask them to point out what they’re doing successfully to read and interpret the passage.
• Show students examples of successful art pieces, and ask students to identify the criteria for success.
• Show students worked math examples, and have them identify what success looks like.

Course Information Documents

9. my expectations.

I will be expecting very active participation from you. Since I can’t see you, I will need tangible proof that you exist and that you are working in a highly motivated way.

One obvious focus of participation will be in the class discussions. This should be taken very seriously. Since each module is scheduled for about two weeks, this is the time period during which the discussion must take place. Try to put some serious thought in what makes documents successful, both from the writer’s perspective and yours. I expect you to participate in the course at least three times each week. I will be looking for your work and ideas that often. Together, we can get a lot accomplished over the next 15 weeks.

I hope that a lot of the discussions are generated by you and your classmates. Sure, I’ll have some comments and suggestions once in a while, but I value what all you have to say. You all have experience as writers prior to entering this class. Have confidence in your abilities and help each other improve and strengthen your writing skills.

Obviously, this is an English course, so I will be expecting you to follow proper English rules in your writing. I also believe the need for rewriting can’t be over-emphasized. I expect you to write drafts, to work with those drafts and to edit final copies. Look for ways to improve your original ideas. Is there a better way to say it? Do you need to say it with so many words, or will a shorter explanation suffice? Rewriting isn’t just adding info. It’s adding and deleting info to best suit your needs and those of your audience.

Stay on schedule. Once you fall behind in an on-line course, you can’t catch up. Information will only be available for a certain amount of time. Essays have to be completed by the due dates, and homework and discussion activities have to be completed on time as well. If you are having any problems, let me know quickly. Together, we can come up with a solution that best meets the needs of this course and your future education.

I’m sure this is going to be a great experience for all of us, and I hope you will appreciate the benefits in using clear, concise written communication.

Academic Honesty Policy

All students are expected to behave with academic honesty. It is not academically honest, for example, to misrepresent another person’s work as one’s own, to take credit for someone else’s words or ideas, to accept help on a test or to obtain advanced information on confidential test materials, or to act in a way that might harm another student’s chance for academic success.

When an instructor believes that a student has failed to maintain academic honesty, he or she may give the student an “F,” either for the assignment or for the course, depending on the severity of the offense.

A student may appeal a decision on the charge of failing to maintain academic honesty according to the procedure described by the Student Code of Conduct in the college catalog.

• Authored by : Jeff Meyers. Provided by : Clinton Community College. License : CC BY: Attribution

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What Students Are Saying About Why School Absences Have ‘Exploded’

Chronic absenteeism has increased in American schools since the Covid-19 pandemic. We asked teenagers what they make of the trend.

By The Learning Network

Nationally, an estimated 26 percent of public school students were considered chronically absent last school year, up from 15 percent before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the most recent data, from 40 states and Washington, D.C., compiled by the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute.

The increases have occurred in districts big and small, and across income and race.

In “​ Why School Absences Have ‘Exploded’ Almost Everywhere ,” Sarah Mervosh and Francesca Paris explain:

The trends suggest that something fundamental has shifted in American childhood and the culture of school, in ways that may be long lasting. What was once a deeply ingrained habit — wake up, catch the bus, report to class — is now something far more tenuous. “Our relationship with school became optional,” said Katie Rosanbalm, a psychologist and associate research professor with the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University.

In a related Student Opinion question , we asked teenagers if that explanation resonated with them. Had their relationship to school — and school attendance — changed since the pandemic? And if so, what did they make of this shift?

Many students said, yes, school feels different now. Why? They pointed to remote learning changing their routines, an increase in anxiety and a decrease in motivation, the ease of making up schoolwork online and much more. Read their responses in full below.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation on our writing prompts this week, including students from Central Bucks South High School in Warrington, Pa .; Norwood High School in Norwood, Mass.; and West Salem High School in Salem, Ore.

Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.

Remote learning made students comfortable with missing school.

I believe that there are two main contributors to missing school too much. The first is online school. Myself included. It was very easy to simply leave the call after taking attendance and the teacher wouldn’t realize. Skipping class was easy and you could still get high grades. Transitioning back to real school, kids still held that true. They knew that they could miss school and still do well because covid taught that to them. The second reason is punishment. When you miss school, nothing happens. Class goes on and you have a little extra homework the next day but that’s it. What is the issue with missing class is a very common thought and it’s true. There is very minimal downside to missing school. When I had surgery, I missed a full week of school and within a day and a half, I was fully caught up again. Missing school has just become all too easy.

— Xavier, Pennsylvania

2020 was when our lives completely changed for the worst. We all had to stay inside and stay separate from each other. It was terrible, not being able to talk to my friends, and seeing the death toll on news constantly rise. However, after a year into the pandemic, I believe students realized the power they now had, including me. Now that I am a highschooler, I am going to admit that sometimes I would just mute my class and do whatever I wanted. School became shorter and easier to pass than ever before. That’s why when we all transitioned back into school, it was weird. We all still wanted to get through class the “easy way,” yet now that we were back, it wasn’t possible. This is why we started increasing our absences. The threat of absence has become weak, students are not as afraid to stay out of school. Furthermore the threat of being infected gave just one more reason to be out of school, for the sake of “preventing others from getting sick,” when in reality you feel fine. That is most likely why the absences in school had an exponential increase.

— Joshua, Pennsylvania

Students feel like expectations are lower than they were before the pandemic.

As a student in high school, I’ve come to realize the horrible state our attendance has been in since the pandemic. The reason can be simplified into one idea: laziness. We are lazy, willing to do only enough to get by, no more, no less. If a student doesn’t need to come to a class to obtain the grade they wish to achieve, then they won’t show up. Classes are not challenging enough to make students feel that they are worth going to. My mom is used to getting texts from me during the school day, begging to be excused from a class where “we’re doing nothing” or, “I already finished the work,” which is true, yet I abuse the opportunity to miss class because I know there will be no greater coincidence, I will still be getting an A. Due to my laziness, I would rather be at home taking a nap than sitting in a class with no greater impact on my life.

— Clara, Salem, Oregon

Since the pandemic, schooling has been focused on getting students caught up to where we’re supposed to be. Consequently, more allowances are made for students who don’t do assignments or don’t even show up. And with the switch to all online because of the pandemic, things have never shifted back. If a student misses a day or even a week, they can easily see what they missed and do it and submit it from home. With this option giving them the exact same grade as it would if they actually went to school, it’s no wonder why students are choosing to stay at home or skipping class. Additionally, the pandemic had heightened anxiety levels in students, specifically social anxiety, making them less likely to show up. The allowances made by the school district for students has created a space for students to be lazy and get away with it. This is fostering a negative impact on student work ethic not only now, but also in the future when this generation will be entering the work force.

— Emma, West Salem High School

The period of school shutdowns got students out of their school routines.

When I think back to virtual learning, my brain automatically goes to how stress free it was. I was in sixth grade when Covid first hit and going through a period of my life where I was extremely anxious at school. I believe that this break is exactly what I needed at the time. However, I do believe that in the long run, this online learning time period got a lot of people into the routine of not having a routine. A lot of people at my school would turn their camera off and fall asleep or go on their phones during online learning. I believe that there were times that I did this as well. I also think that this mindset carried through into the grades where I did not have an online/hybrid option. In eighth and ninth grade, I happened to stay home sick, go into school late, or leave early a lot. I think this is due to me not taking school as seriously due to the grading methods that were being used and how some of my teachers were not grading harshly. Now that I am a sophomore in high school, I think I have finally gotten back into the routine of actual schooling and not staying home sick unless I actually feel extremely sick.

— Madison, Pennsylvania

Before the pandemic and as I was growing up, I was the kind of student that wanted perfect attendance. For some odd reason, it made me feel like a better student if I never missed a day. This included turning my parents down when they offered me to go on trips, even though I was only in fourth grade and the work that I would have missed wouldn’t have made an impact in my academic career. However, after the pandemic school began to feel optional. We felt what it was like to fall out of the routine that going to school was and were never able to fully recover from it. I think that having experienced attending school from your bed, in your pajamas has played a major role in the current trend of students receiving more absences. For me, it made me realize that the “0” next to your number of absences didn’t matter as much as I had once thought. As a now highschooler, the school days are long and every class requires an abundance of work and undivided attention that whenever there is a substitute or not much going on, it is easy to decide to leave school. With senior year approaching, everything’s purpose is college and the fact that colleges aren’t able to see how many absences a student has when they apply, does play a role in the increasing number of absences.

— Ava, Miami Country Day School

Because assignments and other materials are online, students find they can keep up with their classes even if they don’t attend school.

Schools have adjusted rules so much that it makes school feel optional. Don’t want to attend class publicly? Take online classes. Don’t want to take “required” state testing? Opt out. Before, school seemed strict, we didn’t have the option to opt out of tests, we didn’t think of taking online school. Yet now, schools make it so easy to skip because everything is simply online. Our assignments, lectures, and teachers are all online. There are no longer requirements in school. What’s the point of attending if we can graduate without taking state testing or attending advisory — also a requirement, yet I no longer have an advisory because my counselors said I don’t need to take it to graduate. It’s confusing. Students have been enabled for over 4 years now since quarantine started. School doesn’t feel mandatory, it’s optional. I’m currently enrolled into 2 AP classes, so I try my best not to miss school. But it’s inevitable, I get sick, I have family situations or maybe I simply don’t feel like attending school. But I see people skip school like nothing. “I didn’t feel like going” is a constant statement I hear. Not many students have the motivation to attend, and simply don’t go because they have a comfort in their head that they can graduate while missing multiple days of school nearly everyday.

— Olivia, Salem, OR

Current absenteeism rates have significantly impacted my learning experience for the past few years. Since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the perception of the value of education and whether or not attendance is an important factor in a student’s academic success. In the years following 2020, I found myself struggling to make it to class everyday due to my new found efficiency of working at home with my computer. I felt that even if I was not in class personally, I would be able to keep up with my work easily as it was all online regardless. Due to this I would go on trips or skip class purely because I was under the impression that I would be able to continue achieving virtually.

— Ruby, RFHS

Before the pandemic, my attendance was stable but after the pandemic, my absences were piling on. It was difficult to get back in the rhythm of in person school when I had already done a whole year online, but now my attendance in school is definitely getting better. On the other hand, students in my school tend to miss school and it is a rare sight to see a full class. Some students go as far as showing up to class once a week and just do the classwork online. After the pandemic, schools went from paperwork to all online, which is a big reason why students miss all the time, knowing that school work can just be done at home. It has definitely affected students’ grades and goals in life, but hopefully in the future, absences can lower back down.

— Emily, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School

Going to school, and finding the motivation to have as good an attendance record as possible, now feels like more of a struggle.

As students, we’ve developed a comfort in staying in bed during school without having to get ourselves ready to go outside. We had the ability to wake up five minutes before “school” started to get on our zoom calls. Now, we must wake up an hour and a half prior, and make breakfast and pack lunch, before driving to school. The process is tenuous as the article states, but because we’ve accustomed to a different lifestyle, it just makes this one seem like so much more work. I, myself have noticed my difference in attendance after COVID-19. I used to be very obsessed with perfect attendance, but I had 11 absences in my sophomore year, right after coming back from online school. Nowadays, I’m more lenient on myself when it comes to taking a mental health day, because the process can be overwhelming. School is very important, so of course I try to always come in, but sometimes it can be hard. I have not noticed this trend in the world, as well as with myself until this article. It’s enlightening to know that this had not only an effect on me, but all over the country. Hopefully the rates of absenteeism will decrease as time goes on, because we are the future.

— Anisha, New Jersey

Before virtual learning, I never made much of a habit of not turning in work or showing up for class. It was so much easier then but since virtual learning, it had become incredibly difficult for me to focus as well as keep up motivation to continue school. It was easy to skip and nobody really said much about it so it easily became a bad habit. That bad habit eventually leaked into normal school as well and it always sounds so much easier to break out of than it actually is.

— Tayy, NRHS

As the average high school class skipper (only sometimes), in my personal experience, missing out on classes hasn’t really been because of mental health concerns, but more of just lasting laziness from the pandemic. I feel as though I was relatively hard working in middle school/elementary but after a few years off with only half effort assignments, I have grown to become more sluggish and reluctant when it comes to more advanced work while in school. And it makes the option of missing out on classes because of my own reluctance a lot more appealing.

— Luke, Bali, Indonesia

My schedule during the week is get up, get ready for school, go to school, go home, do homework, go to sleep and then I repeat that everyday for 5 days. As much as I don’t want to dread going to school, it’s exhausting having the same schedule repeated everyday of the week. While in school, you have assignments assigned nearly everyday. I feel as though school has had a change in its meaning because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While in quarantine, we were looking at a screen for the whole day and lacked motivation to get assignments done. When we shifted to in person school again, it didn’t change. I now look at school as a task that I need to complete to shape my future. I need to have all my assignments perfect and turned in on time. The meaning of school has turned into a draining task rather than a place that you look forward to going to.

— Jamisan, Salem, Oregon

Some students face challenges in attending class that may have nothing to do with the pandemic.

I don’t believe that students are skipping because it is so easy to catch up and pass, despite their absences. In fact, I know that a lot of people who skip aren’t passing most of their classes. They do this because their parents don’t hold them accountable, and there is always something deeper going on in that student’s life that makes it that much harder for them to find the motivation to go to class. I don’t think making the classes harder will hold students more accountable, but in fact deter them from going to class at all. If a student is aware that they are failing and doesn’t understand the concept of the class, and the class proceeds to become harder, they are going to quickly become unmotivated to go to class in the first place, feeling out of place compared to the other — passing — students in the class. While I don’t have a solution for this problem, myself, I feel that the problem is much broader than we suspect, and the answer will be a much deeper journey to find.

— Kylie, West Salem HS

Schools can do more to get students back in class.

I attend a French school in London and attendance is closely monitored. Absences have to be justified by your parents or you could get into trouble. I think it’s important to attend school as we did before Covid - because as well as learning the curriculum, it is crucial to socialise with your friends and classmates, which is good for your mental health … I wonder if social media could be a factor? If students did not have access to social media or the internet, would they prefer to be in school with their friends? This increase in absenteeism could affect students’ chances of getting into University when they come to finish school or even their opportunities later in life. Students need to be reminded of this more and more perhaps. School helps you to learn not just about facts but also helps to build your emotional quotient & social intelligence — which are all valuable for life.

— Alexandre 14, London

As a current high school junior, my experiences with skipping have been minimal at best, however, I feel strongly that the reason behind skipping is pretty simple. Students don’t care as much about school and the system encourages it. When faced with the choice of sitting in a class and learning about the Patagorian theorem or hanging out with friends, many students are now choosing the latter. The lack of care or effort being put forth in school doesn’t even affect their grades! This is due to certain classes having minimal grades set at 50%, which is 10% away from a pass. This system is actively encouraging people to put minimal effort into a class just to get a pass and graduate. Removing courses like this would certainly raise the importance of getting the work done. Another solution to this problem would be having attendance as a grade, if your grade depends on you being in classes then most would show up. If you have to show up to class to pass then more students would be inclined to do so. The emphasis is on not bending the knee to people who don’t want to show up to class, not giving them a minimal 50%, we should mark attendance for a passing grade, and letting them fail. If we keep letting students skip with minimal consequences then their attitudes won’t change and thus hinder our students’ growth.

— Henry, Salem, OR

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