Clear is Kind! “Explicit Expectations” can lead to kinder classrooms
In the realm of education, a significant number of individuals are stepping into classrooms without the conventional teaching certificate, and Finita recognizes the challenges faced by these educators. Finita focuses on scaffolds or strategic supports that assist noncertified teachers in accessing strategies that work. Dr. John Hattie says that Teacher Clarity is one of the factors (.85 effect size) that most improve student achievement. There are several models of teacher clarity surfacing but who has time to learn more? Instead, we focus on providing tools that help you become more clear about your expectations therefore building teacher clarity. Explicit Expectations is a clarity procedure that you can use to ensure your expectations for behavior or engagement are clear. Brene Brown says Clear is Kind and Unclear is Unkind.
The Challenge
Statistics reveal that over 60% of today's teachers are embarking on the classroom adventure without the traditional teaching certificate. It's akin to entering a maze without a map – an overwhelming and disorienting experience. Finita advocates for simplicity, acknowledging that effective teaching and learning thrive on clear communication.
Explicit Expectations, the scaffold crafted by Finita, emerges as the solution to support noncertified teachers. The goal is to make expectations clear for both teachers and their students. This isn't mere intuition; it's backed by the educational scientist, Hattie, who underscores the power of clarity in boosting teaching and learning.
Criteria of Explicit Expectations 📚
Document and Display:
✍️ Clearly write or print engagement expectations.
🖼️ Display them prominently in the classroom for continuous visibility.
🤔 Align the "why" with a Rule of Awareness.
Use TWRLS Method:
🔄 Implement the TWRLS method (Thinking, Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking).
🎭 Integrate engagement expectations into diverse lessons and activities.
Reference and Reinforce:
🔍 Consistently reference expectations.
🎉 Celebrate positive behaviors aligned with expectations.
🚀 Address deviations using the expectations as a guide for redirection and reinforcement.
The Scaffold for Noncertified Teachers
Explicit Expectations serve as a scaffold – a simple approach for noncertified teachers to clarify expectations. By following these three criteria, educators can establish a clear foundation for themselves and their students, fostering an environment that's all about learning.
In this example, the teacher used a flow map to design a routine for following directions. She used TWRLS to have students help design the procedure for a routine that would help students follow directions. First, they identified a procedure or routine that students needed to work on such as following directions. Other routines that need to be defined might include independent work, group work or collaboration, transitions, morning arrival, homework review, journal time, etc. These are typical practices teachers expect students to know how to do yet take up so much teacher time redirecting students.
Taking time to discuss a routine for following directions provides clarity to the teacher on how to hold students accountable and clarity for the students on how to be responsible for following directions. The “Refer back, then ask” routine can be used in any content area and become a skill that will help students be responsible beyond the classroom walls.
Using the Explicit Expectations scaffold, teachers can include students to define routines that happen regularly and display the routine until it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a habit, it evolves into the culture of how the classroom works and thrives.
Actionable Takeaways
Professional Development:
🚀 Model how to use Explicit Expectations in teacher professional learning sessions.
🧰 Equip noncertified teachers with the tools to create and implement clear expectations.
Collaborative Learning:
🤝 Encourage collaboration among teachers to share best practices.
🌐 Foster a supportive community where educators can learn from one another.
Continuous Evaluation:
🔄 Regularly assess the effectiveness of Explicit Expectations.
🎯 Adjust and refine expectations based on feedback and evolving classroom dynamics.
Embracing Clarity! 🌟
Finita's Explicit Expectations aren't just a tool – they're a systematic practice of simplicity and clarity for noncertified teachers. By documenting, displaying, using the TWRLS method, and consistently referencing expectations, educators can build a foundation that benefits both them and their students. Explicit Expectations create a positive learning environment by establishing a shared understanding and framework for behavior.
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