COMMUNICATION
Harrisonville Middle School
Mrs. Katie Britton
Email: Kathleen.britton@harrisonvilleschools.org
Phone: 816-380-7654 ext. 5851
Website: Harrisonvilleschools.org/britton
I. Course Description:
This course is designed to focus on developing communication skills necessary to be successful in life.
In a world of endless communication opportunities it is imperative for students to understand how to
handle themselves correctly in all situations. The course covers everything from listening skills to solving
conflict and overcoming communication apprehension.
II. Course Objectives:
 To increase the students’ ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their own and others’
communication styles.
 To improve students’ self esteem through successful communication experiences.
 To develop an understanding of different communication situations and appropriate responses in
them.
III. Prerequisites:
 A self motivated behavior to act appropriately and respectfully in class with a good work ethic.
 A working knowledge of how to study, note-taking skills, and time management planning.
 Respect for self, others, and property.
IV. Class Schedule:
 Stage Fright
 Conflict Management
 Listening
 Perception
 Intrapersonal Communication
 Interpersonal Communication
 Group Communication
V. Attendance:
A. By attending class daily the students ensure that they will receive all the notes, assignments, and
information covered during the class period.
B. This class utilizes a lot of group work and class participation, it is imperative that students make
attendance a priority to ensure that students are given the opportunity to learn through interaction.
VI. Materials Required:
A. A folder for Communication class only which will be kept in the classroom.
B. Pen/Pencil
C. Notebook paper
VII: Grading:
A. Standards Based Grading will be used. See pages 12 and 13 of the student handbook for a
complete explanation. The goal for the student is to reach proficiency or higher by the end of the
unit of study. If the student does not meet the proficiency, he or she will have the opportunity for
RTI. The goal is for all students to be successful!
IIX: Make-Up Work and Late Work
A. Students are allowed to turn in late work or redo an assignment in order to show improvement or a
more thorough understanding of the concept.
B. Students may be asked to stay for Homework Club or Detention if missing work. Parents will be
contacted if this is necessary.
C. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missing work from the teacher the first day of the
students return to school. If a student knows in advance that they are going to be absent, it is their
responsibility to make arrangements as soon as possible.
IX. Classroom Policies:
A. The most important rule of the classroom is respect, for yourselves, each other, the teacher, and the
subject.
B. Food and drink are not allowed in the classroom, including gum. Only water is acceptable.
C. All school rules and procedures outlined in the Harrisonville Middle School Handbook will be
followed at all times.
RULES MAY BE ADDED TO THIS LIST, OR AMENDED, AS DEEMED NECESSARY.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read the syllabus for Mrs. Britton’s Communication Class,
and agree to all of the terms and conditions listed on the previous pages.
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Student Signature
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Date
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