RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The impact of Low Expectations from Teachers who teach Urban students

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Lack of expectations from teacher for their students have increased within the urban educational system.

This has caused lower motivation within students ability to learn. Students are no longer engaged with the teacher. Teaching skills from teachers are not shown when students are tested.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to seek answers to the four questions that I purpose to myself, after visiting a local elementary school located in an Atlanta urban setting. This is in hopes to find the answers that will increase the expectations that teachers hold for their students, in which will motivate them to become successful learners.

FOUR QUESTIONS
Why do teachers lack the necessary tools or information on setting high expectations for their students?

Are there teachers within this urban school with high expectations?
What are some ways that educators in urban schools can show that they have expectations for their students, which would not only encourage them to do their best but motivate them as well?

What causes the teachers who teach urban students to allow their expectations to fall short of what these students are capable of learning?

CONTEXT OF THE STUDY

This study is taking place at Gideon Elementary school, which is located in South West Atlanta, in whats called the Pittsburg community.
The elementary school is surrounded by abandon houses and houses that look as though they are run down and no one lives in them. Gideon Elementary ranked 372nd in the state of Georgia in 2006

In 2013 this elementary school ranked 1130th place.

CONTEXT CONTINUED
Highly urban community

95% of the students who attend are of African American ethnicity.

Introduce to site by Professor Hodges (introduction to urban education)

PILOT STUDY RESULTS

Study done in 5 days 2 to 3 hours a day

Total of

Hours

Day 1 Mrs. B first grade class (Expectations-little to none) Next 4 days Ms. Thomas 5th grade class (Expectations- very high) More time to observe different teachers and classes

LITERATURE REVIEW
Setting Higher Expectations: Motivating Students to Succeed The Power of High Expectations Readings/Diversity_CommunityandAchievement_Chapter2.pd High Expectations Ten Strategies for Creating a Classroom Culture of High Expectations. Expectations and Student Outcomes. School Improvement

METHODOLOGY
Data Type
Ethnography- The study of people and their cultures. Ethnographic research- Involves observation of and interactions with the people or a group being studied in the groups own environment.

Data Sources
In-depth interview approach

Photography
observations

METHODOLOGY
Took photographs of classroom set up Photographs of objectives

Photographs of class expectations, and consequences

In-depth interview process with Mrs. Thomas In-depth interview process with two students

VIDEO
Ten Expectations
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K96c-TGnSf4

FINALE THOUGHTS
Policy makers on education always make statements that refer to every child no matter race, religion, economic status, or gender have the ability to learn and should be provided with exceptional teaching methods. If this is true, then they should stand up for whats right and set all expectations for student high, no matter what area or school district these students attend. My study on low expectation from teachers in urban/inner city schools can be used to address issues of social justice and educational equity by making it an obligation for educators to not only teach but to have faith and believe in just what policy makers use as a statement when addressing the world of education.

REFERENCES
A College Readiness Brief from the Pathways to College Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from A Key to Success for All: http://www.educationpartnerships.org Closing the Gap in Your Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from The power of High Expectations: http://teachingasleadership.org/sites/default/files/Related Cotton, K. (1989, November). Expectations and Student Outcomes. School Improvement Research Series, 1-22. Retrieved from Expectations and Student Outcomes. Giddeon Elementry. (2013). Retrieved from School Digger: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/GA/schools/0012000139/school.aspx R Williamson, B. B. (2010). Rigorous Schools and Classroom. Larchmont, New York, United States: Eye on Education. Reynolds, M. (2003). Ten Strategies for Creating A Classroom Culture of High Expectations. Retrieved from Southern regional Education Board: htt://publications.sreb.org/2004/04/V03TenStrategies.pdf Setting Higher Expectations: Motivating Students to Succeed. (2014, March 23). Retrieved from http://www.amle.org/Research/ResearchSummaries/Motivating/tabid/2635/Default.aspx Thomas, S. (2014, March 25). Educator. (T. Hicks, Interviewer)