Course Syllabus

Marshall Learning Center

Room 329

781-446-6290; 4329

Marshall Learning Center Course Syllabus 2025-2026

Welcome to eleventh grade! This is a very important year for all of you as you prepare for life after high school. I’m so excited to work with all of you and to see all of your progress this year. Some of our goals and work will remain the same and others will be different.

Goals

To create a safe and respectful learning environment for all students, so students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
To assist students in becoming as independent and successful as they can.
To monitor progress toward achievement of individual IEP goals and assist students in achieving these.
To maintain communication with the student, parents, teachers, school counselors, and other staff involved with the education of the student.
To introduce and develop skills needed for learning including the use of technology tools.

Learning Center Overview for 11th Grade

Work on individualized educational goals:
As juniors, you will review your IEP goals and begin working toward them right away. This is also the time to take more ownership: learning to track your own progress, prepare to lead your IEP meetings, and practice advocating for what you need in order to succeed both now and after high school.

Focus on your transition plans:
Junior year is a key time to prepare for what comes after high school whether that’s college, career, or another pathway. Many of you may already have or will be looking for part-time jobs. In addition to exploring college options we will also help you build your resume and explore interests through extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or community opportunities. These experiences will strengthen your skills and prepare you for independence.

Support class work:
Supporting your success in academic classes remains a priority. We will preview materials, reteach concepts when needed, and use short check-ins to evaluate your understanding. The goal is for you to become more independent in monitoring your own progress, while knowing how and when to ask for help.

Teach Academic & Self-Advocacy Skills:
Along with academics, we will practice the skills that will prepare you for life after high school: time management, organization, study skills, and self-advocacy. This includes communicating with teachers, asking questions, and speaking up for yourself. We may also do short activities, like analyzing a current event article or working through a “real-life” math problem, to connect learning to real-world applications. You are encouraged to share feedback so lessons are relevant and meaningful to you.

Assist in homework completion:
The Learning Center is a place to get support with challenging assignments and to practice strategies that help you complete work independently. After our group lesson, there will be time for you to work on individual assignments, with guidance available if needed.

Expectations

When you enter the Learning Center, you will:

Park your cell phone in the holder.
Participate in a short group activity.
Write your to-do list on the whiteboard, estimating how long each task will take. (This is just a guide—not something you’ll be graded on!)
Transition to your individual priorities.
End class by checking in about homework and upcoming assessments so you can plan ahead.

Our Shared Values:

Be present: Give your full attention and effort.
Be respectful: Help create a space that is safe, welcoming, and supportive.
Be brave: Ask questions, speak up about what you need, and take risks.
Be open: Try new strategies, reflect on different perspectives, and be willing to practice skills for independence.
Be on time.

Grading

The Learning Center is a Pass/Fail class. If you put in effort, engage in group and individual activities, and work toward your goals, you will pass.