Feel Good Story: NIS Earns Great Expectations® Model School Distinction; TISD Now Leads Nation with 12 Model Schools

Northpointe Intermediate Earns Great Expectations® Model School 
Distinction for First Time; Tomball ISD Now Leads Nation with 12 Model Schools
 April 12, 2024

Northpointe Intermediate School became the latest Tomball ISD campus celebrated for their commitment to the Great Expectations® (GE) program, earning the prestigious Model School distinction by the organization. 

“The faculty at NIS have always been heart-led educators, so when they began to implement GE practices to nurture a culture of respect and promote academic excellence, I knew their journey to Model status wouldn’t take long,” said Dr. Lee Wright, TISD Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Innovation. “To positively impact student outcomes is the goal of any initiative, and NIS has witnessed powerful student growth this year related to GE Life Principles that aren’t measured by a required state assessment.”

Northpointe Intermediate is led by Principal Dr. Caitlin Cain.

“We are so proud of our staff and students who have worked to implement our Great Expectations life principles the past three years,” said Dr. Cain. “This recognition of becoming a GE Model School is a true testament to the exceptional dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire staff. It signifies that our school is a place where high expectations are the norm, and where students are empowered to succeed. NIS is a place where we foster a love of learning and equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the future by using the eight expectations and life principles.”

Tomball ISD began its Great Expectations® (GE) journey in the Fall of 2015, and now leads the nation with 12 GE Model Schools. 15 Tomball ISD elementary and intermediate campuses participate in this program.

Northpointe intermediate joins 11 other Tomball ISD campuses celebrating another year as a GE Model School: Canyon Pointe Elementary, Creekview Elementary, Creekside Forest Elementary, Decker Prairie Elementary, Grand Oaks Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Timber Creek Elementary, Tomball Elementary, Wildwood Elementary, Willow Creek Elementary and Oakcrest Intermediate.

“Great Expectations is woven through the culture of every elementary and intermediate school in Tomball ISD,” said Dr. Wright. “The culture of respect and academic excellence that GE promotes continues to help solidify our schools and our district as a destination for families.”

In order to receive a GE® Model School distinction, each campus was evaluated by GE® coaches and were required to have 100% of staff members demonstrating 90% of classroom practices during their on-campus visits. 

What is Great Expectations®?
Great Expectations® (GE) is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence. With a focus on human quality of teaching and learning, GE provides renewal and inspiration for teachers who may have lost their way and forgotten why they became teachers in the beginning.

Great Expectations® Tenets
The Great Expectations® (GE) teaching/training model is also guided by six basic principles (Tenets). These Tenets provide guidelines for program training and implementation and serve as standards for evaluating GE schools/districts.

The Tenets are as follows:

(1) High Expectations

(2) Teacher Attitude and Responsibility

(3) All Children Can Learn 

(4) Building Self-Esteem 

(5) Climate of Mutual Respect 

(6) Teacher Knowledge and Skill 

Learn more about Great Expectations®.