Is a Syllabus Necessary for each teacher and class?
I’ve been a principal for quite a few years and I’m been a parent almost as many years now. In both instances, I would say to you that it would be a good idea for all of your teachers to have a syllabus in place at the beginning of the school year.
It would also be advisable that you have an outline for the teachers to follow with certain information required. You’re not trying to stymie individuality or creativeness, therefore other items can be included on an optional basis.
Nothing gets parents talking (and usually not in a positive way) like going to an Open House to meet their child’s teachers and having the information that they are provided be all over the place in terms of consistency.
A quality class syllabus should contain, at a minimum, the following information:
- Official Course Title
- Official Course Number
- Teacher’s name
- Description of the subject and an overview of what will be covered during the class
- Texts and materials needed for class
- Basic Rules and Expectations of classroom behavior (possible consequences also listed)
- Late work and make-up procedures
- Grading Policy – broken down by % This should be explained clearly enough so that a parent AND the child can calculate their grades. Trust me, this will save you a lot of hassle down the road!
- Website – if the teacher has one (They all should and it should be kept up-to-date. But, that’s another post!)
- Methods to contact teacher (i.e. e-mail, phone, Blackboard, etc…) and how long it should be before they should expect a response – I would suggest no longer than 48 hours and hopefully much sooner.
- optional – some background on yourself (the teacher) that the students and parents might like to know.
You can’t go wrong with these basics – your school might ask for more, but clarity at the beginning of the year will serve you well as the year goes on. Both parents and students appreciate it!
What do you think? Is this asking too much? Or is there something left out that you would add? Let me know your thoughts.
