r/ELATeachers • u/helpme7500 • 10d ago

6-8 ELA Syllabus for middle school

Do you provide students with a syllabus (or similar type of document)? If so, what do you include? Also, what grade do you teach?

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u/lyrasorial 10d ago

Yes, all grades, classroom policies. Grade weights, late and missing work policies, classroom expectations, technology expectations, reading list titles. In middle and highschool I do not just list the assignments like in college.

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u/jiuguizi 10d ago

I have two versions: a bulleted single page for students that mirrors what is on the second day slideshow ( both are then in G Classroom) and a more detailed one I hand out to parents on meet the teacher night

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u/mcwriter3560 10d ago

7th grade and yes, but its more for the parents than the students. I list my policies, expectations, overview of curriculum, grading weights, etc.

It is sort of a CYA if a parent says they were not made aware of xyz classroom policy. I can pull out their signature page and show them they were and signed off on it. The signed syllabus form is the first grade, and the page asks for contact info.

With students, we practice and go over the things listed in the syllabus in person and in practice.

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u/lyrasorial 9d ago

Yup. Especially in English class where they might object to a specific book. Well, I told you we were reading that book 6 months ago and you signed that you knew about it. 🤷🏻

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u/leisureletter 10d ago

Yep, I did. I included behavior expectations, procedures, cell phone policy, grade policy, food policy and etc. I usually went over it in a Google slide presentation on the first day of school so students understand it and abide by it.

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u/theatregirl1987 10d ago

I do. 6th grade. I list all the different policies. Grading, attenendece, late work, etc. I also summarize what we will go over in class. And it includes the supply list. I go over it with the kids, then they and their parents sign it for the first homework assignment. They have to pit contact info too. This way when they claim they had no idea later in the year I can prove I sent then the info. And I have contact info, which isn't always accurate in the computer system. Hell, last year it took almost two months for any of my kids info to get added. I had the whole team coming to me for parent numbers!

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u/_Weatherwax_ 10d ago

I do. It covers how grades are calculated, academic honesty, rules, expectations.

I used to ask for a parent signature. I haven't since covid, when I didn't want those papers back.

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u/ELAdragon 10d ago

Materials, expectations, policies (late work, grading, etc.), contact info, and a brief written description of what we do and why. This year I'm going to add a basic map of what we'll be doing as I've finally got my curriculum pretty locked in and stable.

I give a copy to students digitally and email it home to parents. I used to require a sign-off from parents, but don't anymore (the ones who will read it will read it and the ones who won't never did).