La Jolla High School
Spanish 5-6 Instructor: Señora Lyon
Textbook: En Español (Third year) textbook and workbook
Spanish-English dictionary
School phone: (858) 454-3081 ext. 4505
Course Description:
Spanish 5-6 is intended to extend the communicative approach to learning as a means to further develop the student’s acquisition of Spanish. This course focuses on history, culture and grammar. Students will be exposed to a variety of challenging reading material through historical, literary and journal texts. Students are expected to comprehend and primarily speak Spanish in this rigorous course. In adherence to the California State Framework and the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, the course uses a communicative approach to learning and emphasizes the mastery of all four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is based on the ACTFL National Standards, which stress: Communication, Connections, Communities, Comparisons, and Cultures.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of Spanish 5-6, students will be able to meet National Standards and the Expected Student Learning Results (ESLR’s) of La Jolla High School. Each student who has completed Spanish 5-6 successfully should be able to perform the following language functions with an appropriate level of accuracy:
· Improve ability to speak and understand Spanish.
· Build and improve grammar skills.
· Complete written and oral projects in Spanish, individually and in groups
· Increase Spanish vocabulary.
· Understand and appreciate cultural influences of Spanish-speaking countries.
· Broaden global understanding of Hispanic Cultures and civilizations and the issues that these countries face in the future.
· Communicate appropriately on a variety of topics.
· Analyze and evaluate literary works, magazine articles, correspondence and other narrative material.
· Communicate in writing with a minimal amount of errors in vocabulary, grammar and spelling.
·
Course Requirements and Policies:
Tardies:
Students will be expected to adhere to the “Universal Tardy Policy.” It is the student’s responsibility to be seated before the bell rings. Students not seated in their assigned seat when the bell rings will be marked tardy. Students who arrive tardy to class will be subject to detention and lowered citizenship grades. Three tardies within a grading period will result in a drop of one letter grade in citizenship (example: A student with a “ Good” citizenship grade will drop to “Satisfactory”). There are no make-ups for tardies.
Attendance:
It is imperative that students attend class because attendance affects participation points. Missing class will negatively impact a student’s academic grade. Students will be responsible for making up all the work missed. Make up work or late work will only be accepted for excused absences. For excused absences, all make up work will be due depending on the number of days absent with a maximum limit of 5 days to make up the work (For example, 2 days absent= two days allowed to make up work). Students absent on the day of an exam, quiz or presentation are required to make up work the next day during class or at another time arranged by teacher and student in advance. Students with 11 or more absences (excused/unexcused including contract independent study) per semester may be in danger of having their grade lowered or failing the course. Students found truant will receive an automatic “U” in citizenship for that grading period.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned daily, with the exception of most weekends. Make up work or late work will only be permitted for excused absences. In order to receive full credit, all homework must be completed in full and on time. Partially completed work will not receive credit. Students who choose not to do assigned work will receive ZERO points for the given assignment. Students are responsible for studying their vocabulary words on an ongoing basis in order to prepare for exams and to reinforce the class lessons. In order to become fluent in any language, it is important to practice speaking the target language. Since we only meet for 55 minutes during each class period, I highly recommend that students expose themselves to the language outside of class, by watching television in Spanish or by listening to Spanish-speaking radio stations.
Grading Policy:
Academic grades are based on exams, quizzes, oral and written projects, homework, and daily participation. Oral participation in discussions and in answering questions, as well as the student’s willingness to use Spanish will have a direct impact on academic grades. Each student is responsible for his or her own work, so any student caught cheating will receive an “F” for that assignment and a “U” in citizenship for that grading period. The second offense will result in an F/U for the semester. The grading policy is as follows:
Exams 20%
Quizzes 20%
Oral Presentations/projects 20%
Homework 20%
Final Exam 10%
Participation 5%
Notebooks 5%
*Please note: There are no retakes on exams or quizzes. Study and be prepared the first time.
Grading Scale:
A= 100%-90%
B= 89%-80%
C= 69%-70%
D= 69%-60%
F= 59% or lower
Access to Grades:
Although there is a nine-week progress report each semester, I like to make grades available to you. You will be able to see all grades and monitor progress. All students will be given a user name and a password to access their grades online. You may check their progress by going to eclassinfo.com and access their account.
Cheating:
Each student is responsible for his or her own work, so any student caught cheating will receive an “F” for that assignment and a “U” in citizenship for that grading period. The second offense will result in an F/U for the semester. The cheating policy applies to all assignments and tests.
Class Expectations:
All students are expected to bring their textbook, notebook and other material, such as, pens, pencils and paper to class daily. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a courteous manner showing respect for all people and property. No food or drinks are allowed in class…this includes chewing gum. Students are allowed to drink water from a clear container that has a lid. Active student participation in class on a daily basis will enhance the student’s daily participation grade. Students are expected to seek help before it is too late. I will be available for tutoring on scheduled days or by appointment. Please contact me if you have any question or concerns.
INTERNET USE AND FILMS:
With new advances in technology, we have available to us many primary sources online. Students will be asked to access these many resources on their own time. They are expected to follow all school internet policies.
In addition, we have available to us some excellent foreign language films of outstanding artistic, linguistic, and cultural value. Some of these films, because they are so current, authentic, and commercially successful may contain obscenities in the foreign language or in the subtitles, or other content that may be considered questionable. Signing this form grants permission for your child to view films.
Acceptance of Responsibilities
Please sign and return.
I have read the course syllabus for Spanish. I understand the policies, procedures and requirements necessary for successful completion of the course.
Student’s printed name:___________________________
Student’s signature:_______________________________
Parent/Guardian signature:_________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Course and Period:________________________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS SHEET TO ME!