Getting organized and staying ahead starts on day one in Middle School with the class syllabus, teacher contact information, grading and course expectations.
Fortunately, most teachers hand out a syllabus on the first day of school with everything you need to know about how to succeed in class. On the flip side, you’ll have six or more syllabi (the plural of syllabus) to sort through, and like road maps, they may contain a lot of unfamiliar words and symbols.
Try this: Find a highlighter and search for the following information in your syllabus:
What’s the homework policy? When should assignments be completed? Is homework assigned every night or once a week? Are assignments handed in or kept in a notebook for review at a later date?
How will your final grade be determined? What percentage of your grade is based on homework versus projects, tests, participation, and attendance?
What materials are required? Do you need to bring any materials (notebooks, binders, etc.) in addition to the class textbook?
Can you contact your teacher outside of class if you have questions? Look for a phone number, e-mail address, or class web site.
