A Teacher's Dilemma

Balancing High Expectations with Evidence

By: Jennifer M. Morton

Write A Review

Hardcover | 14 October 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
78 Pages

Hardcover

RRP $34.99

$34.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $8.69 with

or

Ships in 10 to 15 business days

The study focuses on the tension teachers face between the demand that they hold high expectations for their students and the reality that they face when they confront the evidence at their disposal. The author argues that this tension is not easily avoided; there are good arguments for both optimism and evidentialism. We can recast this tension when we recognize that expectations are noisy signals of more fundamental underlying factors. High expectations often signal to us that the teacher is committed to doing her job well. It is that commitment that matters to us. A teacher with keen sensitivity to the evidence impresses us because we take it to mean that she is effectively attuned to her particular studentsâ needs. If a teacher arrives at an expectation without contextualizing the evidence, paying attention to her specific students, or based on stereotype and prejudice, it fails to engage in the kind of responsive inquiry essential to good teaching. The author writes that the tension facing teachers can be recast by reflecting on the inquiry at the heart of teaching.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.