Chapter 9: It is All About Expectations : Moving From Negative to Positive Expectations

Establishing a clear self-concept and positive self-esteem are critical aspects in the developmental maturation of young adolescents. In many ways this formation of self is instrumental in providing a solid foundation for adolescents to both understand and accept the numerous developmental changes taking place during this stage of life. Lipka (1997) contends, “These dimensions of self-represent the central feature of the human personality which in the case of young adolescents unifies the physical, social, and cognitive characteristics into a sense of identity, adequacy, and affirmation” (p. 31). As a result, providing educational environments where young adolescents can nurture this sense of self in a safe and supportive atmosphere becomes a critical component to the purpose of middle level schooling. An essential part to providing this type of environment is the expectations that are placed on the various stakeholders in the school community—students, teachers, and parents. High, positive expectations for all stakeholders should provide the foundation for every middle level school.