Academic Lab Syllabus
Welcome to your Academic Lab class. We are going to commit ourselves to improvement in
basic reading, writing, spelling, and math skills, and we will work on these goals daily
individually, in small groups, and in whole class situations.
All Academic Labs have the same syllabus, same grading policies and procedures, and same
set of expectations.
Class Expectations and Grades
Academic Lab is not a study skills class. Retaking tests is not part of our curriculum, nor is
finishing homework. Pulling from Academic Labs should not be expected. We have an
established class expectation, and we will work to reach personal, individual goals. If time
permits, then a student may use a portion of Academic Lab to address class needs, tests, and
assignments.
Academic Lab is not a dumping ground for behavioral concerns. As the student, you are
expected to complete tasks selected for you based on your skills needs. Your job as the
student is to complete tasks to the best of your ability. The teacher’s job is to teach; your job is
to learn. Learning is your responsibility, and we expect you to take your responsibility seriously.
Computers are for instructional purposes only. When on the computer, no time can be
committed to Facebook or other social media sites; You Tube or similar music sites; game plays
unless the game is a part of the academic sites you are assigned. If the site requires sound to
be most effective, then the student is expected to wear headphones as to not disturb others.
Other than that circumstance, no student will wear headphones, and computers will be muted.
Listening to music on computer or devices such as phones or IPods is not permitted.
Please don’t ask, and please don’t argue.
Students will need to demonstrate the ability to work independently. During class,
students will work in a cycle. At times, the student will work on paper and pencil tasks; on the
computer; and with the teacher. Being mature and responsible is critical. As the teacher works
with individuals, each student is expected to focus on their assigned task.
Every class begins with a bell ringer. The bell ringer will involve either a reading skill, a
writing skill, or a math skill. Bell ringers are collected every Friday and will receive a grade of 25
points. Every Thursday, the bell ringer will involve an ACT type question on reading, math,
grammar, or science.
Every week, each student will receive a grade for the class. This grade is based on on-task
behavior (5 points); completed tasks as demonstrated by the performance log (5 points); and
work ethic (5 points).
The weekly grade total is 75 points, or 15 points per day. Being
repeatedly prompted to work doesn’t demonstrate a strong work ethic, and grades will be
affected. Each student can earn 1200 points for the trimester.
By the end of the class, each student will complete a resume`. The resume` must be typed,
free of mistakes, and visually appealing. This document will carry a 100 point grade and must
be completed by the eleventh week of class.
Tests in Academic Lab do not exist. There will be no assessment other than the progress
tests each student takes in the individual curriculum. Student work individually and on computer
sites will be reported weekly to the student so that the student can be aware of progress made.
The final exam will be a performance event, and students will be evaluated based on the work
completed in preparation for the finals in classes.
Week 12 of the class is regarded as a dead week. During the last week before final exams,
the class focus will involve preparation for final exams through completing study guides and
study exercises.
Homework completion takes last priority. In Academic Lab, students are to work on skills,
not assignments from other classes. Finishing with approximately ten minutes left in class is
possible, but should not be regarded as a guarantee. Should time permit and planned activities
for the student have been completed well, the student may request the final amount of class
time to work on assignments or read a book.