Commonly-held Expectations
Commonly-Held Expectations are generalizations about children's development and learning over time. They are frames of reference that help teachers and parents focus on the development of the individual child. These are not expectations for all children but are general statements that show common patterns of development over time. They are based on teacher knowledge, current research, observation of children and the collective wisdom of those who know young children and expect and respect individual differences in children.
Commonly-Held Expectations are useful generalizations, providing snapshots or graphic profiles. Taken together they may say something important, show a pattern, raise a question. When using Commonly-Held Expectations the interest is learner-focused. Commonly-Held Expectations help teachers assess learners and plan appropriate learning experiences that ensure continuous progress.
As teachers use Commonly-Held Expectations, they will develop a picture of they child's progress in relation to the general development of other children of a similar age. Teachers will also look at two ages – chronological and developmental. They will be aware of the span of ages within their classroom – both developmental and chronological. Grade level does not imply that all children be at the same place in time for they were at different levels when they entered school; growth over time is a key point of view.
When looking at Saint Thomas Early Childhood expectations teachers and parents will:
- look at all goal areas to gain a balanced view;
- look at the developmental stages on either side of the child's age to appreciate growth over time;
- remember that each child is an individual and will shine more brightly in some areas according to their God-given gifts;
- consider the experiences the home and school have provided;
- be patient – learning is a lifelong process.
The child is always the first consideration regardless of whether we are thinking in terms of programs, learning goals, curriculum areas or commonly-held expectations.