Syllabus Outline

Today's students and parents are very interested in the content of each course they choose to take.  Because of this, it is important each of your courses have a course syllabus.  The syllabus should be able to answer most questions any student, parent, or administrator might have.  Below you will find information that can assist you in developing a course syllabus.  The information given should not be considered the mandatory method.  It is only a suggested format.

Course Description:

The course description should be a general overview of the class and what your class is preparing the students for. Example: Agriscience I is designed to introduce students to the world of agriculture and how it effects our daily lives.  Students will learn about livestock, food science, common plants, natural resources, leadership and communications, and an introduction to welding.  Agriscience I will prepare students for the next level of Agricultural Education.  It will also reinforce science and language arts skills learned in their academics classes.

Course Content and Objectives or Goals:

This section of the syllabus should include the content covered and objectives or goals the students should leave the class with. Example:

A.    The Horticulture Industry.  The student will be able to:

    1.    Identify from a list, areas of the horticulture industry. (text)
    2.    Describe different areas of the horticulture industry.
    3.    List career areas within the horticulture industry.
    4.    Match careers in the Horticulture industry with the appropriate fields of Horticulture.
    5.    Determine personal characteristics that employers seek in employees.

This section is the most important of the syllabus. It can be divided into nine week periods, semesters, or the objectives can be comprehensive for the year. The content and/or objectives should begin with statements like, "the student will be able to:" or "the student will". The words identify, distinguish, describe, and demonstrate, etc. are also important. These terms are associated with proving the student knows the material at the time of assessment.

This section should also include any special projects that will be incorporated into the years curriculum. Example: Greenhouse project, Power Point presentation, mousetrap cars, book reports, State Competency Test, etc.

Grading Policy

The grading policy should follow set requirements and percentages for each letter grade. However, the grading policy and procedures for your class should assess your objectives and can be more than just paper and pencil; but it should be documentable. Example: growing plants, shop projects, pictures of activities, experiments, etc.

"Students’ knowledge of the subject will be measured by note taking and homework in notebook form, one written report, chapter tests and two laboratory projects".

Notebook/Portfolio 25%

Chapter Tests 50%

Research report 5%

Laboratory 20%
 
 "Grades will be assessed, recorded, and shared with students on a weekly basis.

1. After each chapter there will be a vocabulary test worth 100 pts.
2. After each chapter there will be a final exam worth 100 pts.
3. End of the chapter questions will be worth 25 pts.
4. Worksheets will be worth 25 pts.
5. Chapter outline notes will be worth 100 pts. (notebook)
6. Student complete homework portfolio will be worth 50 pts.

• List the textbook used and care policy
• List classroom expectations, behavior expectations, and procedures
• List supplies needed (Paper and pencil each day)
• Consequences for not meeting behavior expectations
• Leaving the classroom (when to ask, how many times, etc.)
• Classroom routine (when can they work on the computer, sharpen pencil, etc.)
• Cheating and plagiarism policy (If this is not stated in school hand book)
• Attendance and make-up work expectations
• Your expectations and maybe even extra points for parents attending conferences
• FFA and how it fits into your program
• Any other item you feel necessary to inform students and parents of the expectations of your classroom.