My syllabus for 2007-2008

I revamped last year's syllabus to reflect what I've learned about teaching. Dumbed down some of the vocabulary, put in some pop culture references, and structured some previously obscure rules. Here is my 2007-2008 syllabus in its entirety:

Environmental Science Syllabus
2007-2008
Teacher: Misterteacher

Class Goal
The goal of this class is to expand how you think about the world. We are going to connect “the global with the local”. What happens in the world globally affects what we do in our everyday lives locally. You are going to learn about important environmental issues that are going on today and what we can do about them. You will also learn to take notes effectively, use the scientific method to do experiments, make graphs, and understand scientific articles.

Grades
Everyone starts out with a 100% in the class. Starting today, you have two options: A) to keep your A by working hard or B) watching your grade fall quickly. I expect each student to put in their full effort into this course, doing so will give you the best chance to do well in class and keep your 100%.

Your marking period grade will be composed of:
Participation points (20%)
Quizzes (30%)
Homework (20%)
Tests (10%)
Projects (20%)

At every half-way point of the marking period, I will give you a print-out of your grade so far, so that you will not be surprised at your progress in the course. I will also have a one-on-one conference with you on your grade. At the end of the marking period, I will assign a final grade to you by finding the total percentage of your score.

The grade breakdown for this course is:
100 – 90%: A 89 – 80%: B 79 – 70%: C 69 – 65%: D 64% and below: F

If you have an issue with my grading on any assignments, please see me after class. I do not discuss grades during class. If you do not let me know about the grade in question after a week, the grade stands.

Over the course of the year, I will give opportunities for extra credit to improve your grade. However these assignments will be harder and be more work.

Homework
I will be assigning homework almost EVERYDAY. Put your completed homework in your class’s homework tray when you come into class. I will grade it and return it back to you as soon as possible. I will accept late homework. For everyday your homework is late, I will take off a point. If your homework is not turned in within a week, the homework assignment becomes a zero.

Daily Routine
1. Come in and quietly sit in your seat.
2. Quietly take out your notebook, pen, and homework.
3. Take out yesterday’s homework and put it in your class’s homework tray.
4. Write down homework for tomorrow and work on the Do Now as written on the board.

Cheating
All homework and labs (everything I grade) must be in your own words. It is okay to get help or work together, but every answer must be in your own words. If you copy even one question the penalty is a zero on the assignment and I will notify your family. Cheating on quizzes or tests will result in a zero on the test and I will also notify your family.

Lateness
Lateness will not be tolerated. Class begins the second the bell rings. If you come late to class repeatedly, I will call home and inform your parents.

Absences
If you are absent, get the notes from a classmate outside of class or stay after school to be caught up. You are responsible for the work missed. If I gave handouts during class, check the folder labeled “absences” for a copy of any papers you missed. Do not interrupt class when you are doing this but do this before or after class.

Class Rules
1.Respect the teacher
2.Work from bell to bell
3.Raise your hand silently
4.Do not talk when someone else is talking
5.Be calm in class

1. Respecting the Teacher
The teacher is the leader in the class. This means that teacher decides where students sit, what to have out on your desk, and what work you should be doing etc… When I tell you to get out your notebook or keep you head up off your desk or something like that please do not argue and scream and curse because that is disrespectful, pointless, and will only get you in trouble (see below).

2. Working from bell to bell
Don’t tell me “I’m finished” because there is always something for you to do. If you finish one assignment, raise your hand and I’ll give you another. You always need to be working in my class. Don’t ask for “free time”.
No, you can’t leave class. Sorry. You can’t miss class because then you will be behind when you get back. You can’t call your cousin or see your counselor or go get the jacket you left in gym etc… If an adult needs you for something, he or she will come and get you. Otherwise, you need to stay put and do your work. I never let anyone out of class. If you insist on arguing you will just make a fool out of yourself and get in trouble and the answer will still be no.
Bathroom policy. There is no bathroom in my class. Even for emergencies. Please go to the bathroom before or after class. Asking to go to the bathroom distracts the flow of the class and distracts your classmates and me.
Being Prepared for class. I expect you to bring to class the following materials everyday:
A three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper OR a spiral notebook with a folder (your handouts should be inside your binder or folder)
Pencil or paper (I do not let students borrow any supplies)
End of class. The whole class must be seated and silent before I allow you to leave. Absolutely silent.

3. Raise your hand silently
If you have a question or want to get my attention, raise your hand silently. Do not call out. Please be patient if I don’t get to you immediately, I have 25 other students too. Raising your hand silently is the one and only correct way to get my attention.

4. Do not talk when someone else is talking
When I am talking in class, do not interrupt me. Do not keep talking to your friend about Chris Brown. It is rude and disrespectful. If you want to say something, wait until I am finished and raise your hand silently. I may have already answered your question by the time I call on you to say what is on your mind. At the same time, if your classmate is talking and has permission to speak, be respectful and listen to him or her silently. It is very impolite for you to be talking while your classmate is answering a question.

5. Be calm in class
You will quickly realize that Misterteacher is a relatively calm person and he expects his classes to be calm or “chill.” Don’t bring your drama into the classroom. I don’t care about what you did over the weekend or if someone gave you a dirty look today. Wait until school is over to talk about that stuff. I’m here to help you succeed in science. That is really all I care about. As long as the class is centered on learning, then we will all get along and get through the school year as a class.

Misbehavior
Many students are trying to succeed in school and if your behavior gets in the way of that then you will face the consequences. These are the steps that we take to make sure that one student’s behavior does not derail the learning of the whole class:
1. I talk to you one-on-one inside the classroom or outside the classroom.
2. I start taking points off your participation grade on my clipboard.
3. If you keep misbehaving, I will call your home.
4. If you continue, I will fill out a pink slip to the dean and give you a detention.
I also reserve the right to kick you out of class if #1-2 does not work and you do something extremely disrespectful to either me or your fellow students.

I have read and understand this entire document:
Student Name (print) ____________________ Parent Name (print) _____________________

Student Signature __________________________ Date _______________

Parent Signature ___________________________ Phone Number _____________________

Contact in: English Spanish