Spanish 1

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SPANISH 1

Instructor: Mr. Monsalve

Room: 2

E-mail: john.monsalve@

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to enable students to begin acquire proficiency in Spanish through a linguistic, communicative, and cultural approach to language learning. Emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and on acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. Cross-cultural understanding is fostered and real-life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Students are offered insight into the culture and civilization of the countries where the language is spoken and the course encourages a positive attitude toward language learning. Projects may be assigned throughout the year, focusing on the language, culture, and current events.

COURSE GOALS: NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE

1. Communication: To communicate effectively in Spanish in a variety of situations.

2. Culture: To gain knowledge of practices, products, and perspectives of other cultures.

3. Connections: To connect Spanish I with other academic disciplines.

4. Comparison: To compare and contrast the Spanish and English language and the cultures associate with each.

5. Communities: To actively participate in Spanish-speaking communities, form the classroom setting to the large world.

Textbook & Supplements:

Avancemos Level 1; Cuaderno: práctica por niveles level 1; Lecturas para todos.

(Students are required to bring the textbook and the Cuaderno to class daily.)

Materiales (supplies):

Students must bring to class:

• 1-1 ½” flexible three-ring binder with durable (plastic) dividers;

• Spanish-English dictionary (STUDENT MUST HAVE ONE IN CLASS EVERY DAY)

• # 2 lead pencils, pens;

• Dry erase markers;

• 3 packages of 3x5 index cards.

Additional Supplies (for projects/ student will need these supplies later in the semester):

• poster board

• glue

• scissors

• regular markers

• crepe paper

• tissue paper in bright colors

Homework: Students should expect homework daily. It should be completed by the next day unless otherwise noted. Students with unexcused absences will not receive credit for late submissions. Students that fail to submit work when due because of unexcused absences or forgetfulness will receive zero credit!

STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK SJA WEB PAGE DAILY FOR HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS.

Testing: Students are tested at the end of each lesson (two per unit covered). Tests include information covered during class periods and in homework assignments. Students should expect quizzes daily and they may be either announced or unannounced. Students that miss assessments are solely responsible to make arrangements to complete them. Students should not expect the teacher to remind them. Arrangements to make up all missed assessments must be made immediately upon returning to school.

Grading Scale: The SJA grading scale is as follows:

A= 90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=0-59

Evaluation:

Following the SJA policies, the semester exam will be 20% of the student’s semester grade. The remaining is distributed as follows:

40% TEST, 35% QUIZZES (This may include tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, and alternative evaluations) and 25% HOMEWORK and CLASSWORK.

Late work policy: Late work will not be accepted for credit. Projects and major papers turned late will received a 20 point reduction in their grade for each day late. Students that fail to submit work when due because of unexcused absences or forgetfulness will receive zero credit! Missed work will not be accepted late if student has failed to report an absence as excused. Please make sure to excuse your absences/tardiness in a timely manner.

Unexcused absences:

“When a student has an unexcused absence, it is the responsibility of the student to complete all coursework, test and quizzes and turn it in to the appropriate teacher. There is no expectation that the child’s teacher or teachers recreate lessons, lectures, or labs for unexcused absences.”

Gradebook (teacher plus):

Grades may be checked by going to the grade book website. If you have any questions or problems regarding the use of grade book, please contact the guidance counselor. I will enter at least two grades per week per student.

Please feel free to contact me at any time during the school year with questions or concerns.

Parent/Guardian and Student Contract

My child ___________________________________ and I have reviewed the syllabus, the course description, and all standards for the Spanish course in which he/she is enrolled. I understand the academic and behavioral expectations associated with this course, as expressed on the syllabus, and I realize that failure to comply with and adhere to these standards will result in academic and/or appropriate disciplinary consequences. Additionally, I am aware that the teacher will communicate mostly in Spanish and that grammar explanations will be offered in English, which will be used minimally.

Parent:

Name (please print) _____________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________________________________

E-mail _______________________________________________________________________

For student

I _____________________________________________, have read the syllabus, course description, and standards of the Spanish course in which I am enrolled. I understand and accept the academic and behavioral policies set for this course and that failure to comply with and adhere to these standards will result in appropriate academic and/or disciplinary consequences. Additionally, I am aware that my teacher will communicate mostly in Spanish and that he will offer grammar explanations in English. I understand that the majority of the time I must speak Spanish while in class.

Student’s Name (please print) _________________________________________________

Signature____________________________________________________________________

CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTAITONS

1. Students are expected to attend class daily.

2. Students are expected to be on time; tardy students must have a pass before coming to class.

3. Students are expected to show respect and be courteous with the instructor and their peers. Offensive language is not tolerated. Bullying will not be tolerated.

4. Students must be prepared for every class (they must bring the textbook, workbook, and all completed assignments as instructed; students also must have pencils/pens, binder, and other required materials.)

5. Students are responsible for procuring missed assignments from the teacher and for scheduling make-up quizzes and tests immediately upon return to classes.

6. 8. Gum chewing is never permitted.

7. 9. Students are expected actively to participate in class daily.

8. 10. Students must follow classroom rules at all times: they must raise hand to participate, be silent when teacher is lecturing or when fellow classmates are participating. Students must not be chatting with classmates unless instructed to do so by teacher and then only in Spanish.

9. Any form of cheating will result in a zero and other serious consequences. Students must abstain from engaging in any behavior that could be construed as cheating while taking quizzes or tests. If caught cheating, students will surrender the work in question and parents will be notified immediately. Students will receive a zero on any test, quiz, assignment, etc. if they are discovered to be cheating. This includes plagiarism.

10. Students are not permitted the use of cell phones during school hours.

11. Students must abstain from engaging in grade negotiation. Students receive the grade they have earned.

12. Students are expected to adhere to all SJA policies and guidelines at all times.