Sources of Teacher
Expectations
Gender
• Research indicates that
low expectations are more
common for
 Young boys
 Older girls
• Gender differences can
have racial overtones
Socio-economics
• Socio-economic
levels are often
associated with
intelligence
• Poverty rates
vary by race and
region
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Race and Ethnicity
• Research confirms
that lower
expectations are
frequently held for
 African American
students
 Hispanic students
 Native American
students
Readiness
We must not
assume that a lack
of school-like
experiences at
home precludes
high levels of
academic
achievement.
Appearance
• Grooming habits
• Dress
• Physical appearance
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Oral Language
• Non- standard English
• Registers of language
 Formal
 Casual
Neatness
• Handwriting
• Organization of work
Halo Effect
Question to ask:
Are students’ past
performance
evaluations
influencing their
current performance
evaluations?
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Student Behavior
Student Behavior ≠ Academic Capability
School Status
• Regional factors
• Neighborhood
factors
Negative Comments
School staff must be vigilant in
refraining from comments that
unjustly influence teachers’
perceptions of students’ abilities
and aptitudes.
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Final Thoughts
• Cultural perspectives shape
 What we do
 What we say
 How we think
Information in this presentation has been adapted from
Brookover, Wilbur, et al. Creating Effective Schools, 1996.
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