I. Course Description, Goals and Highlights

SPANISH 2 SYLLABUS
2007-2008

Teacher: Señora Johnson

Website: http://nettleton.ar.schoolwebpages.com/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=1038

E-mail:

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I. Course Description, Goals and Highlights

In Level 2 Spanish, students will learn more about how to use the vocabulary and grammar they are already familiar with and will also learn new vocabulary and grammar in order to expand their content knowledge. By the end of the year, students will be able to communicate about many topics including the weather, the Spanish speaking world, sports, health, food and much more. Students will become more aware and gain knowledge of the culturally diverse Spanish-speaking world to develop insight into the nature of language and culture.

When you walk into this class, you will be entering a world where the focus language is Spanish. This will be a fun experience and it will contribute to your ability to understand and speak more Spanish in a shorter period of time. Do not be afraid to make mistakes—everyone will make lots of mistakes—it is OKAY. You will be surprised by how well you are able to survive in a Spanish-speaking environment.

II. Expectations

A. Students will be in their assigned seat and working on the first activity when the tardy bell rings.

B. Students will bring all necessary materials to class. This includes but is not limited to: a large three ring binder, pencil with eraser and paper. 1. The three ring binder must be divided into the following six categories: a. Los Papeles Importantes (Important Papers) b. La Primera Actividad (The First Activity) c. La Gramática (Grammar) d. El Vocabulario (Vocabulary) e. La Cultura (Culture) f. La Tarea (Homework) The divided binder needs to be brought to class ASAP

C. Follow all school rules. All school rules will be enforced including zero tolerance for weapons or drugs. The dress code will be enforced. Cheating will not be tolerated. You are expected to attend class on time each day.

D. Follow the “test-taking rules” during all tests and quizzes. Failure to follow rules will result in the student receiving a zero for that test.

E. In the event of an illness, you are responsible for obtaining missed assignments. Check the folder with the label "Notes for Absent Students"

F. Upon returning from an absence you are expected to be prepared to participate in the day’s activities. You can keep up to date by following the enclosed academic agenda to find out what material was covered during your absence. You are also encouraged to use the class website for weekly lesson plans. You may also email the teacher to request an update on the class material you will miss.

G. Your full attention and active participation are expected to be your priorities during the entire class period.

H. You are strongly encouraged to get your body accustomed to scheduled visits to the restroom during the school day. These visits should take place before and after classes and during breaks. Minimizing class interruptions benefits everybody’s learning. You will receive three bathroom passes, per semester, you can use in case there is an unexpected need. At the end of the academic year, you will be able to exchange any unused bathroom passes for extra participation points.

I. Respect others in the class and their right to learn. Respect the property of other students, as well as the school’s/teacher’s property. Respect their time and opportunity to learn. Avoid using profane language.

J. All unexcused missed work will receive a grade of "0". At the end of each semester, the two lowest grades from the "written work" category will be dropped before calculating the final grade. This allows for students to miss up to two "written work" grades, in case absences are inevitable. The dropping of these two lowest grades also benefits those students who were not absent during the semester, but did poorly on some of the grades in this category. Under exceptional circumstances, students may be able to make up missed work. The eligibility for any make up work will be determined by the teacher after discussing the situation with the student’s counselor and/or parents. Please note that going on vacation/trips does not qualify as an exceptional circumstance.

III. Tests and Quizzes

A. At least once a week (possibly more often) you will have a quiz covering material from the previous day. These quizzes will range in point value but, most will be worth about 20 points.

B. Students must follow the test-taking rules for every quiz and test. Failure to follow any of the rules will result in an immediate zero regardless of the reason. 1. Your desk should be clean of any graffiti that could be related to the test. 2. You should have everything off of your desk except for the test and one pencil. Items should be put in a zipped backpack or stored completely under your desk. 3. You should be seated and facing forward at all times. 4. Your eyes should be on your own paper at all times. 5. There should be no talking, noise making or lip moving. 6. You may not use books, notes or electronic devices. 7. If you have a question, raise your hand. 8. When you are finished, turn all test materials upside down and sit quietly until all students are finished.

IV. Homework

A. Homework is assigned on a daily basis. It serves to reinforce the day’s lesson.

B. Homework assignments are due the next school day at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated.

C. All Homework must be placed in the “La Tarea” category of your binder and must be placed in the order that the work was assigned.

D. There will be a grade taken each nine weeks over your binders. This means you must keep all of your papers in the proper locations in your binder. Do not throw anything away unless told to do so.

E. Homework makes up 15% of your final grade for this class.

V. Late Work

A. No late work can be accepted for a grade nor can exams, quizzes, or in-class writing assignments be taken late, unless prior arrangements are made with your instructor, or in the case of a verifiable emergency. B. You must bring your excuse within three days of the absence and schedule the make-up promptly

VI. Participation

A. Participation includes but is not limited to: answering questions, working with a partner and taking notes.

B. At two times during each semester, your teacher will give you a participation evaluation form with an estimated participation grade and feedback on how to improve your participation in class.

C. Participation is worth 20% of the final grade.

VII. Assessment

Practice: Beginning activities and Homework ...... 15%

Participation: Class Work, Communicative Activities, Reading, Being on Task ...... 20%

Oral Performance: Formally assessed dialogues, Oral interviews and Presentations....20%

Written Work: tests, quizzes, projects, class notes …………………………………....30%

Semester Final: includes all chapters and material studied during the semester...…….15%

VIII. Grade Distribution

90% - 100% ….…A
80% - 89% …….. B
70% - 79% …….. C
60% - 69% …….. D
59% - below ….... F

IX. Secrets to Success.

*Have a positive attitude and enjoy the language!

*When you study, practice aloud (even with your pet!)

*Do not only sit at a desk to study! Speak Spanish as you walk around school and at home.

*When possible, study with a "responsible" classmate. Exchange your phone number with students in class. It helps in case of absences or forgotten assignments.

*Watch movies and listen to the radio and music in Spanish.

*Read different materials in Spanish.

*Make sure you keep an organized backpack/folder, book, workbook, and notebook. If taking organized notes is a difficult task, think about rewriting your notes after school: this is an excellent way to review what you learned during the day, and prepare for tests.

Classroom Rules Agreement

I have read and understand the rules and grading procedures for this class. I understand that violation of the class rules will result in a lower participation and/or performance grade, parent notification, and/or detention. Repeated defiance of these rules will result in being withdrawn from the class with no credit.