All students have different levels of freedom to direct their own days. Teachers are not simply following the child. Students who do not demonstrate readiness to direct the course of their own days will receive more direction from the teacher including collaborating on work choices for the day, working near a teacher’s lesson table for more oversight, checking in after each work is completed, etc… However, the ultimate goal is helping students to internalize these executive function skills they will need for later success. Rich teacher-student relationships allow teachers to help students learn to hold themselves accountable, use their time wisely, contribute to their communities, and set high standards for themselves. Ultimately the goal is for every student to be growing each year in independence as s/he moves closer and closer to adulthood.