Chapters 5 & 6: High Expectations for Whom? Who is the Variable?

How do ineffective teachers and effective teachers react when their students do poorly on an assessment? Is there a difference? If so, why?

Why do successful teachers insist on focusing on their own behavior rather than the behavior of others?

Throughout these two chapters, the book stresses the belief that teachers should take responsibility for what happens within their classrooms. It suggests that if we all look in the mirror each time we ask, "Who is the variable?", we will have taken great strides toward school improvement. Take a few moments to write about your thoughts on this concept.

Chapter 4: Prevention vs. Revenge

What do effective teachers need from the principal when they send a student to the office. Explain the significance of this need.



Identify at least 5 specific teacher behaviors in every teacher's bag of tricks that great teachers never exhibit.

Chapter 3: The Power of Expectations

What is the most important idea communicated in this chapter regarding teacher expectations?


In addition to setting clear expectations for students each year, why do great teachers set expectations each new school year for themselves, too?