This is a great study that has been around for years. Setting high expectations for students includes positive support, respect and a climate of caring. Given the design of Rosenthal's study maybe we have the horse before the cart. If we provide a respectful, supportive and caring environment, student will meet high expectations. We just had a conversation last week about people first language and it seems like such a small thing, but it does make a difference. It makes the perfect point of not labeling a child with a disability if at all possible. I have often said if there is any way the student can receive the accommodations/modifications without an IEP, it is way better for kids. The minute a child is found eligible for special education services, perceptions/expectations change. As it applies to Rti, accommodations based on student need is good teaching, not based on disability.
Quality teaching is quality teaching, regardless of a disability. If we treat students the way we want to be treated - cared for, respected, and open to them - all students will learn more. I've read the Rosenthal study several times before and it always strikes me we get what we expect - not only in learning, but also in behavior. As for Rti, I believe helping all students that need accommodations is important, the status of being enroute to services or not should not matter. I do find myself trying to make life easy for students with disabilities, I need to take Nunley's words to heart, I need to work harder on compensations. She's right, life isn't fair!
Set the bar high and they will work towards that goal. The bar may be set at different levels for each student but still set it high make them work and reach to achieve their goals and you will be surprised what a student can do. Set it low and that is how they will always perform because they got your number.
Jerrie, you have a good point about treating students the way we want to be treated. That is a good model for all of us to portray. When other teachers have asked about the students with disabilities being on the honor roll, I say, "Why not?" Most teachers have become more accommodating in the last few years and all teachers believe in Rosenthal's study - but few put it into practice. All of us have seen the students who become teacher's pets and can do no wrong. But if one of the students I work with breathes a little too loud. They are in trouble. So once again - reality has set in.
This is a great study that has been around for years. Setting high expectations for students includes positive support, respect and a climate of caring. Given the design of Rosenthal's study maybe we have the horse before the cart. If we provide a respectful, supportive and caring environment, student will meet high expectations. We just had a conversation last week about people first language and it seems like such a small thing, but it does make a difference. It makes the perfect point of not labeling a child with a disability if at all possible. I have often said if there is any way the student can receive the accommodations/modifications without an IEP, it is way better for kids. The minute a child is found eligible for special education services, perceptions/expectations change. As it applies to Rti, accommodations based on student need is good teaching, not based on disability.
ReplyDeleteQuality teaching is quality teaching, regardless of a disability. If we treat students the way we want to be treated - cared for, respected, and open to them - all students will learn more. I've read the Rosenthal study several times before and it always strikes me we get what we expect - not only in learning, but also in behavior. As for Rti, I believe helping all students that need accommodations is important, the status of being enroute to services or not should not matter. I do find myself trying to make life easy for students with disabilities, I need to take Nunley's words to heart, I need to work harder on compensations. She's right, life isn't fair!
ReplyDeleteSet the bar high and they will work towards that goal. The bar may be set at different levels for each student but still set it high make them work and reach to achieve their goals and you will be surprised what a student can do. Set it low and that is how they will always perform because they got your number.
ReplyDeleteJerrie, you have a good point about treating students the way we want to be treated. That is a good model for all of us to portray. When other teachers have asked about the students with disabilities being on the honor roll, I say, "Why not?" Most teachers have become more accommodating in the last few years and all teachers believe in Rosenthal's study - but few put it into practice. All of us have seen the students who become teacher's pets and can do no wrong. But if one of the students I work with breathes a little too loud. They are in trouble. So once again - reality has set in.
ReplyDelete