A quick introduction of what a syllabus in education is about.
A close look at important items to include on your syllabus
A well-constructed syllabus sets the tone of your class and immediately sets the bar and expectations for your class. The syllabus can be used as the first clear message regarding the following:
Basic Class Information
Contact Information - email, phone, remind, etc...
Class location & Time
Google classroom code
Materials - Notebook, textbook, online materials, etc...
Purpose of the Course / Course Objectives
What is the course all about? Develop a short and concise narrative to explain how the course will train them for opportunity.
Student Goals and Outcomes
What should the students be able to do at the end of the year?
What results will come from the projects and assessments?
List the tasks that they will be covering during the year.
Will the students be able to master specific duty areas or tasks from the task list?
If you have a student run business (SRB) or any other scheduled internship or externship available, be sure to bring it to their attention.
Major Assessments & Projects (Industry Certifications/NOCTI & CTSO competitions)
List out the Industry certifications that students will be participating in throughout the year.
Discuss NOCTI in an CTE syllabus. Have the students understand that it's coming and it's required to complete the program.
List out any major CTSO competitions or other competitions you want the students to participate in.
Course of Study (what units & lessons will you be learning throughout the year)
List and briefly describe what the class will be focusing on each quarter. This will give students an understanding what's coming.
Grading Policy
This is a very important section of the syllabus. You can set all of your grading policies here like late-work, academic honesty, test retakes, grade weights, etc... Be sure to not contradict your school's academic policies. Check your student or staff handbook to be sure.
Attendance Policy
Another important section of the syllabus. Set the attendance, late, and make up policies here. Explain clearly what will happen if the student doesn't attend class, continues to come late, or doesn't supply excuse notes for missing class/school. For more information go to the SDP's attendance policy page on attendance and truancy --> Be sure to not contradict the SDP's attendance policies.
Student Behavior
Very important part of the syllabus. Explain in detail what student behavior expectations are. This can cover:
Classroom Routines & procedures - Discuss safety / rough housing, play fighting. Safe use of the lab and equipment.
Cell phone policy
Student-to-student interactions - What is acceptable and what is not.
Student-to-teacher interactions - What is acceptable and what is not.
Food and Drink rules.
Clear consequences for not meeting expectations.
Safety & Emergency procedures
Discuss items like fire-drills, shelter in place, evacuation, general lab and equipment safety.
What to do if something actually does happen in the lab.
Student & Parent Sign
Use the syllabus as a contract. Have both the parents and students sign as a contract. Use the contract as a way to get email addresses and phone numbers.
Clear expectations and rules for the class
If tasks and units are clearly marked, it can be used as a college credit articulation document.
If it is signed by the parent or guardian, the signature can used as leverage when dealing with certain situations (behavior, academic honesty, grading, etc...)
Students respond better when rules are clear and consistent. Starting off with a syllabus starts that clarity and consistency.