Course Syllabus

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Course Description: Spanish II is a continuation of the concepts introduced in Spanish I. It is designed to develop your child’s knowledge of the Spanish language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Spanish II is a demanding and intensive course. This course consists of five components that are important in language mastery: reading, writing, listening, speaking and understanding Hispanic culture. Students will apply critical thinking skills as they compare the Spanish language and its cultures with those of their own community.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of Spanish II, students should be able to:

Express needs, preferences, feelings and emotions;

Request help and clarification;

Give descriptions, follow directions and instructions;

Initiate, participate in, and close an oral or written exchange;

Identify main ideas and essential details when reading and listening;

Interpret culturally authentic materials and information;

Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions;

Conjugate -ar, -er, -ir verbs in the preterite tense;

Give brief, organized oral presentations, using visual and technological support;

Compare and contrast traditions, such as holidays, foods, and celebrations.

Required Materials: The following materials are required daily:

assigned textbook and workbooks (En español - Lvl 1 and 2)

a three ring binder divided into 5 sections: bell work, class work, notes, handouts and homework

loose-leaf paper, index cards (for flashcards)

pencils or pens (blue or black ink only); colored pencils, markers and dry erase markers for projects, flash cards, art work, etc.

Grades: Daily grades - 25% (bell work/warm-ups, homework, class work, verbal participation & various class activities) All students will be expected to be punctual and strive to maintain an excellent attendance record. Attendance is crucial to the success of each student. Students are expected to constructively participate in class on a daily basis. Students should be seated and working on the bell work/warm-up when the bell rings signifying the start of class.

Peso stamps (index card) will be used to track verbal participation. An average of 4 stamps per week is needed to successfully meet this requirement. Class participation also includes being prepared, alert and attentive with all necessary materials (textbook, workbooks, assignments, paper and pen/pencil) upon arriving for class.

Homework is due at the beginning of each class. Assignments are written on a designated section of the board. It is each student’s responsibility to write down the assignment accurately. Only completed assignments will be accepted. No partial credit. It is your responsibility to correct your homework assignments. Late work will not be accepted. The lowest daily grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.

Quizzes – 25% Quizzes will usually be announced in advance; usually two quizzes per month. If you are absent before the day of the quiz, be prepared to take the quiz with the rest of the class on the designated date. It is your responsibility to sign the absentee log, making arrangements to complete the quiz or exam within 5 days to avoid a permanent grade of zero.

Exams - 40% (assessments and projects) Exams and projects will be announced in advance. Absent students will be held responsible for completing projects by scheduled deadlines and receive exams upon return to class. Students are required to diligently study nightly (at least 30 minutes) to build understanding of the material. Students should expect a test following each etapa (chapter) this semester. Several projects will include individual and group work with required components clearly explained in a rubric.

9-weeks Final exam - 10%

Absence & Make up work: The importance of attendance cannot be overemphasized. Each new concept that you learn in Spanish will build upon what you have learned from previous Spanish lessons. Excessive absences from Spanish class will make it extremely difficult to understand the remainder of the course. It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate make-up work within three days with Sra. McBride (refer to the student handbook). Ask a responsible classmate for missed assignments before or after class. Check the ‘assignment board’ for assignments and/or homework. Please obtain any handouts from the ‘daily file’ according to the day of the week.

Tutoring Make arrangements for help before it becomes a problem! Tutoring is for assistance, not for re-teaching material missed due to sleeping, lack of attention or preparation, misbehavior in class, or excessive absences!

Classroom Procedures for Successful Learning:

Be in your assigned seat and work quietly on the board assignment when the bell rings.

Come to class prepared with required materials and completed assignments.

Follow directions the first time they are given.

Students will remain seated and quiet during lessons and listening activities.

Be respectful of yourself, others and school property. Strive to be courteous and considerate at all times. Avoid cursing, rude remarks, sarcasm and behaviors that are hurtful to others.

Students will remain in class, and will not be permitted to use the phone, go to lockers, etc. during class time. Please be sure to take care of your personal business between classes.

Sra. McBride dismisses the class – NOT the bell.

Students will leave gum, food, and drinks outside of the classroom. Bottled water is the only exception.

No late assignments are accepted after I take up work – no exceptions.

All school policies and rules set forth by the CCBOE will be enforced.

**All rules in the student handbook apply. **

Cheating Students involved in cheating will receive a zero for the assignment. This grade will be given to both the cheater and the person(s) who assisted the student. Copying any assignment or any portion of any assignment from another student’s paper, and/or allowing someone else to copy, under any circumstances, is cheating. Students are expected to guard and keep private their own work, avoiding any semblance of cheating.

If you choose to break a rule:

1^st Offense: Loss of a privilege/penalty pass (five are issued at the beginning of the semester).

2^nd Offense: Before/after school detention – 15 minutes. Parents/guardian will be notified

No shows: immediate referral to an administrator.

3^rd and after: Referral written. Student will be sent to the office.

Severe disruption: Student will be sent immediately to the office.

Disrespect of a substitute teacher: Student will be sent immediately to the office.

Note: After school jobs/activities are no excuse for missing detention.

*** I do NOT offer extra credit assignments. Students will be offered opportunities to receive extra credit points toward tests/quizzes, but will not be offered individual extra credit assignments. Extra credit is given at my discretion, based upon extra effort of participation, and will NOT replace any grade.

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This site was last updated 08/03/08