Class Syllabus

Daily Schedule
The daily schedule (per class period) will entail the following:
First 5 minutes: Attendance, turn in any assignments to assigned class Dropbox, and have
journal on desk with writing utensil ready to begin
10- 15 minutes: journal entry (dependent on topic)
30-35 minutes: instruction, collaboration, and working on class assignments
Last 10 minutes: beginning homework/ silent sustained reading, and will wait until
dismissed
Routines and Procedures
At the beginning of class students will read both boards. The board at the front of the
class will list the schedule for the day including a brief synopsis of what will be covered. The
board at the side of the room will list the homework assignment. Students will read both boards
as part of their daily routine. The entire class will then know what is transpiring for that class
period. After five minutes, the overhead projector will then be turned on, and it will show the
journal prompt instructions. Transitions between assignments will be conducted with minimal
disruption.
Students will also know that if they need/want to use the restroom, they will need to turn
in a bathroom pass. They will be given 5 passes at the beginning of each quarter. If they have
medical issues or need further accommodations this will be discussed and an agreed upon
resolution will be put in place. Since it is a 55 minute class, there should not be a need for more
than 10 passes per semester. This method is less disruptive, since there is no need for discussion.
One other beginning of class procedure is for students to put away all cell phones. If a
cell phone is visible, it will be confiscated, and placed in the teachers locked desk, until the end
of the period. These routines and procedures will be covered during the first couple of days of
school. They will have a copy given to them, along with the rules covered in the next section.
Students will then sign them and we will each have a copy.
Rules or Norms of Behavior
Students are expected to treat the classroom and each other with respect. The
environment is to be friendly, inclusive, while recognizing the benefits inherent in diversity.
Students will be able to learn from one another, while working towards a common goal. This
concept will be covered in the first unit via a cultural heritage project. Whereas, rules will be
covered the first couple of days of school. The rules will be introduced via a collaborative
exercise in which we discuss why the rules are important, along with how they relate to our
democratic government. Students will be guided towards an understanding of why the following
rules are important and necessary.
Class Rules:
1. Show up on time and be prepared
2. Always do your best work and help others do their best
3. Be Respectful of Your Own & Others Life Space
4. Be Respectful of Others Opinions, Ideas, & Diversity