7 Things Students Want to Know

1. Am I in the right room? In order to alleviate stress of being in the wrong classroom I
will be at my door to greet all students who are trying to enter the classroom. I will check
their registration cards to make sure they are in the correct place and there will be a sign
on the door that clearly states our subject area. Also my bulletin board will be decorated
in such a way that there will be little doubt of whether they are in the correct classroom or
not.

2. Where am I supposed to sit? There will be a seating chart posted at the front of the
classroom on the first day. After I have made sure the students are in the correct
classroom they will be shown to that chart. They are then to find their assigned seats for
the first day of class.

3. What are the rules in this classroom? Before the class begins there will be a handout
on every desk that describes the rules and procedures to follow for the upcoming year.
After the students find their assigned seats using the seating chart they can begin to read
these. We will discuss the rules as a class after the class begins and why we must follow
them. There will also be posters hung on the walls with the rules and procedures outlined.

4. What will I be doing this year? When the class begins we will discuss the rules and
procedures for the year. We will constantly and consistently refer to the rules and
procedures within the first two weeks in order to eliminate confusion and increase
compliance. We will come up with rationales together for the rules and procedures in
order to give the students some authority over the enforcement of the rules and proper
procedures. Again these will be on posters hung on the walls around the room.

5. How will I be graded? Along with the rules and procedures handout there will be a
handout explaining the grading process of the class. It will list when all assignments,
quizzes, tests, projects, etc. are to be assigned and their due dates. It will also outline how
each assignment will be graded. Attached to the back of the outline for the class will be a
sample grading rubric for assignments and/or projects for the class. Students will know
when and exactly how they will be graded and it will be up to them how well they want
to do in the class. There will be no curving of the grade in my classroom.

6. Who is the teacher as a person? On a small portion of my bulletin board and my desk I
will put personal information and items about myself. These items will be used to show
the students that I am person as well and can care about more than just grades. Also I will
be hanging their work around the classroom to show they matter as well.

7. Will the teacher treat me as a human being? By greeting my students at the door with
respect I am automatically stating that they will be treated as such throughout the year in
my class. Also, by having the seating chart posted it shows that I take the time to be
prepared for class and I am in control of the learning environment. This is also evidenced
through the posted rules and procedures and decorated bulletin board. Respect for my
students and vice versa will be maintained throughout the entire year.