1. Basic information (name, room, classroom phone and email)

2. Materials students will be issued, and what they are responsible to bring.

3. Scope and sequence of the course: what we will be learning, and when (even if it’s general, by quarter or semester). You might want to put a sentence or two about your philosophy of this course, what you want to have them accomplish, and why.

4. Assessment: how students will be graded, grading scale, etc. It could be as general as, grades will be calculated by process points earned, divided by the maximum points possible. Plus the school’s grading scale. You usually have to state how much the final exam is worth – schools vary on that. Ours is a maximum of 20%. I’ve also worked in schools where it depended on what grade you were in. Or your assessment section could be more specific (10% homework, 15% exam… etc).

5. Expectations: Your expectations on participation, attendance, academic honesty, behavior, etc. You might want to refer to the school’s student handbook for ideas. They might have specific policies about academic honesty, attendance, etc. In that case, you can just state, “Refer to your student handbook for expectations on X.”

6. Policies: Your policies on common/general things, such as make-up work, late work, tardiness, passes, etc. Again, look at the student handbook – there might be some things that are already in place for you.

7. Signatures: Your syllabus is a contract. I have a little blurb about, “I have read and understand the policies and procedures for this class, as outlined in the syllabus.” Along with a place for student and parent to tear off the bottom and sign. It’s the first thing I grade.

As far as more specific info on your syllabus… it’s totally up to you! What do you want to accomplish in your class? How will your class be run?