Program Goals for Participants

To provide an extra layer of support in the development of the inductees’ professional knowledge and skills through the…

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1. cultivation of a professional attitude toward teaching and learning;
2. nurturing of strong working relationships and communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues;
3. creation of a safe physical and emotional classroom environment;
4. promotion of equitable access to the curriculum with high expectations for all students;
5. engagement of students in relevant and rigorous standards-based instruction; and
6. use of a wide range of assessments in order to define and refine student learning goals and by differentiating instruction.

Learning Target

• I am learning that a syllabus is an invaluable tool for communication.
• I am learning that a syllabus sets the tone for my class.
• I am learning that a syllabus outlines what, when, and how students will learn.
• I am learning that a syllabus clarifies for students what they need to do in order to be successful.
• I am learning that a syllabus conveys my expectations in terms of student responsibilities.
• I am learning that the information in a syllabus prevents misunderstandings about class policies.

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Criteria for Success

• I can design a syllabus that is an essential tool for effectively managing my course.
• I can design a syllabus that provides a clear understanding of classroom expectations.
• I can design a syllabus that provides students with a road map for how the course will be conducted.
• I can design a syllabus that can prevent misunderstandings of my policies.
• I can design a syllabus that is appropriate to the grade(s) and content that I teach.
• I can design a syllabus that lets my students know what the course is about, why the course is taught, where it is going, and what will be required for them to be successful in the course.
• I can get my syllabus approved by my administration prior to giving it to students to ensure it aligns with school and district policy.

Bell Ringer

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Directions: If you had to condense to one page (front and back) a description of your class and expectations of your students, what topics would you include?

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Use the concept web on the Module 8, Lesson 4, A page of your Interactive Participant Notebook to help you organize your thoughts and ideas about what should be included in a class syllabus.

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Think about items that were included on class syllabi you have been given as a student.

Opening

Researchers have found that there are three purposes for a class syllabus:

(1) as a record of the course,

(2) as a contract between the instructor and the student, and

(3) as a learning tool.

~Parkes, J., & Harris, M. B. (2002). The purposes of a syllabus. College Teaching, 50 (2), 55-61.

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A syllabus lets students know what the course is about, why the course is taught, where it is going, and what will be required for them to be successful in the course.

~Altman, H. B., & Cashin, W. E. (2003, May). Writing a syllabus.

Opening

A syllabus is a "contract between teachers and their students, designed to answer students' questions about a course, as well as inform them about what will happen should they fail to meet course expectations.”

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The syllabus ensures a fair and impartial understanding between the teacher and

students such that there is minimal confusion on policies relating to the course, setting clear expectations of material to be learned, behavior in the classroom, and the effort expected on the student's behalf. The syllabus provides a roadmap of the course. (SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL INSTRUCTION A MODEL FOR SCHOOL LEADERS TO BUILD AN EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM)

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Source:

Opening

How do syllabi enhance communication with students and parents?

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• In her article “What Does Your Syllabus Say About Your Course,” Weimer (2011) encourages instructors to consider how they word items in the syllabus. Policies and instructions written with a friendly and welcoming tone may encourage students to communicate with you and ask questions.

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• A syllabus serves as an agreement about the purpose and direction of the course.

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Opening

Why should syllabi be reviewed and revised prior to the beginning of each course or grade?

Because a syllabus acts as a sort of contract between the teacher and the student, there is an accountability aspect that impacts both parties. Therefore, a syllabus should be constructed thoughtfully and with great care. It is NOT a last minute thought. Make sure your class policies align with the policies of the school and the district.

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If you are a new teacher or a teacher new to a school or district, always have your syllabus previewed and approved by an administrator.

Opening

• School Name
• School Year
• Grade/Subject(s)
• Teacher’s Name and brief introduction
• Office hours/Contact Information
• Brief Description of Class/Clear goals for the whole class
• Required Texts and Materials
• Rules and Expectations
• Clear and accurate course calendar
• Grading policies: components and weights

• Attendance/Tardy policy
• Late assignment policy, policies on incompletes and revisions
• Academic dishonesty and academic freedom policies
• Important dates for parents or students to mark on their calendar (maybe attach school/district calendar)
• Conferences
• After school curricular activities
• Testing Information

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Suggested Syllabus Items

Work Period

Directions: Click the image to the right and follow the link to the YouTube video, “Constructing Engaging Syllabi.” Use the Module 7, Lesson 4, B page in your digital interactive student notebook to record your ideas for a syllabus for your own class(es) as you listen to Dr. Randi Rulayne Picarelli give suggestions on how to build a syllabus that connects with students.

Work Period

Directions: Click the image on the left and follow the link to Jennifer Gonzalez’s blog, “How to Write a Syllabus”. After understanding possible items to include in a syllabus, go to the Module 7 Lesson 4, C page of your digital interactive student notebook. The boxes alongside the page contain items often included in syllabi. Plan your syllabus by choosing the items that best fit your needs and those of your students and parents (NOTE: You may not need all the items). Put them in the order they will appear in your syllabus.

Closing - Apply

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Directions: Apply what you’ve learned in Unit 2, Lesson 4 by creating a syllabus for your class on the Module 7, Lesson 4, D page of your digital Interactive Participant Notebook. There are as many different ways to build a syllabus as there are teachers.

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If you would like to explore a digital version, try Piktochart. Click the logo for details.

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How to Create an Infographic Syllabus with Piktochart

You can also MAKE A COPY of this free editable template to make a visual syllabus.

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Push the button and follow the link.

Choose OR Feel Free to “Do You”!

Big Ideas

A Syllabus...

• is an essential tool for effectively managing a course/class.
• provides a clear understanding of classroom expectations.
• provides students with a road map for how the course will be conducted.
• prevents misunderstandings of class policies.
• can be adapted to be appropriate to the grade(s) and content taught.
• lets my students know what the course is about, why the course is taught, where it is going, and what will be required for them to be successful in the course.
• Should be approved by administration prior to giving it to students to ensure it aligns with school and district policy.

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Dig A Little Digger

For more information, click on the links below: