Teaching Expectations
Staff Responsibilities & Group Agreements
Expectations for the First Day of Class
At the beginning of each new class, teachers are to teach students the routines and expectations the teacher wishes in that class for such things as:
1. Independent action vs. permission for talking, sharpening pencils, getting out of seat to recycle waste paper, etc.
2. Method for getting permission to go to the restroom (when, how many students out at a time, check-out method, hall pass)
3. How homework and other assignments are to be turned in to the teacher (where, when)
4. What the acceptable noise level is during group work and independent work
5. The teacher’s preferred signal to get student attention (practice this one until they are able to respond quickly)
6. Appropriate circumstances under which they may access the classroom telephone
7. Tardy, and late work policy and procedures
8. Expectations regarding “coming to class with appropriate materials.”
Daily Staff Responsibilities
1. If you are going to arrive late or if you are leaving early from school, please let the office know. This helps us respond more quickly to people who may be looking for you.
2. Check your mailbox daily before your first meeting with students.
3. Monitor the student bathrooms near your classroom.
4. Be in the halls before and after school and during passing time.
5. Greet each of your students in a positive fashion every day.
6. If there is a substitute teacher near your room, let that person know you are aware of their presence in the building and offer your assistance.
7. If assigned to bus or bike duty, please be on time.
Group Agreements
1. Radios, cassette/disc players, and permanent ink markers will not be allowed in classrooms. If a radio, cassette/disc player, or permanent ink marker is seen in a classroom, teacher will take them away from the student (a radio or cassette/disc player may be returned at the end of the period, or at the end of the day). Student radio or cassette/disc player use during class will not be used as a reward.
2. Teacher will weight assignments and inform students of the value of assignments. (This does not mean that teachers will do it in the same way; i.e., some who use computer grading programs may use individual weights for each assignment, while others may be less specific and say that tests count 3%, daily work counts a certain percentage, etc. The important point is that students know how their grades are determined.)
3. Teachers will post daily assignments in rooms. Teachers will provide time for students to write their assignments in their planners, and reinforce this behavior.
4. Gum is not allowed at school (particularly now that we have carpet throughout the school!).
5. Teachers will be at their doors during passing periods.
6. Students will use their planners when leaving during class time. Teacher will keep to a minimum students leaving class.
7. Teacher will make known their own tardy policy, their consequences, and how the policy meshes with that of the school. If a teacher keeps a student after the class dismissal, that teacher will send a note with the student explaining the tardy. The tardy will be considered unexcused unless it is cleared with a note. Students are NOT to be sent to the office to have a note written.
8. All teachers are expected to provide students with a course expectations sheet during the first week of school.
9. When an absence is excused, work may be made up. A suspension is an excused absence. Every teacher will share with student their rules concerning late work and consequences.
10. Parents, students, and staff have been informed of the basic supply list. Teachers will inform students what they mean by “bringing proper materials to class.”
11. Teams will provide some consistency and equitable expectations regarding homework.
12. All staff will enforce student dress code.
13. Student’s display
of affection is limited to hand holding and three-second hugs.