Course Description

  1. To increase and refine skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
  2. To refine and build upon the foundation of vocabulary and grammatical structures of Spanish.
  3. To develop knowledge of, and appreciation for, Hispanic culture and its contributors to both world and civilization.

Educational Materials

  1. The objectives above will be attained using some units in the text entitled Spanish for Mastery III.
  2. Lessons will be prepared using a variety of technology such as cassette tapes, television, video tapes, slides, computers, overhead projector, and an LCD panel.
  3. Technology will be integrated to the lessons in order to enrich the learning process. Educational software programs and the World Wide Web will give students the opportunity to learn more about culture and retrieve up-to-date information from the Hispanic countries. They will also have the opportunity to maintain correspondence and develop educational projects with students from the countries under study.
Expectations

  1. The classroom will promote a mutual learning atmosphere for both teacher and student. Each student will show respect for the teacher and for the other students in the class. All students will be attentive and cooperative.
  2. Each students is expected to bring the following items to class every day: Spanish textbook (when requested), Spanish notebook (3-ring binder) and an assignment notebook. Also the student needs a pen or pencil, loose-leaf paper and a Spanish/English dictionary
  3. The student must be seated and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. (3 tardies = detention)
  4. Listen and pay attention to class at all times.
  5. Raise your hand if you wish to speak out or leave your seat.
  6. No gum, candy or food in the classroom
  7. Complete homework assignments before arriving to class.
  8. Respect the decoration of the classroom and help to maintain it clean and pleasant for everyone.
  9. All personal grooming should take place in the restroom before coming to class.
  10. This class will be conducted in Spanish and Spanish will be the medium for communication at all times.

Absences And Make Up Work

  1. It is your responsibility to get the assignments and the notes when you miss the class. Use the snapshot number to get this information: 881
  2. The student is given one day for each day of absence to make up work. It is your responsibility to arrange a date and time with me to take tests and quizzes missed.
  3. A grade of zero will be given if work is not made up within the allotted time period.
  4. If at any time you are experiencing difficulty, please let me know immediately.

Homework

Homework is assigned as reinforcement and as a writing practice. You will have homework almost every day and you are expected to write it down in your assignment notebook before leaving the classroom. Snapshot messages will give assignments as needed. Some homework will be collected and graded as a quiz. Late homework will be accepted only if the student was absent the day it was checked; in this case the student will show it to me the day he/she comes back to class. Remember that you are responsible for your work.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated in their four proficiency skills: listening, writing, speaking and reading. They will have homework, tests,projects, quizzes and special activities that will become part of the assessment process.

All grades work count as either a quiz or a test grade. Quizzes count 50% and tests count 50%. Homework counts as a quiz grade. If you complete all homework assignments in a 6-week period, your average in a quiz grade will be of 100%.

Remember that this is an upper level Spanish class. You will be observed and evaluated every single day. Your daily performance and participation in the class will be reflected in your grade. Use Spanish in the 90 minutes that we are together and try your best doing so.

The following statement will make students more aware of the expectations for them to do their own work. They will sign this paper and will keep it in front of their binders as a reminder of their commitment to keep this statement alive for the entire academic year:

"Honesty shall be practiced in the entire educational experience at Patrick Henry H.S. Students are expected to produce their own work as instructed by the teacher. Cheating, plagiarism, forgery (including computer forgery) or any other act to represent dishonestly one's work will not be tolerated."



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