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Beginner Spanish

Syllabus and Student Responsibilities

Ms. Nemec-Osborne

Room B220

Phone: 610-627-6266

Please check my website for homework updates.

E-mail:

Website: (click on – PenncrestefacultyNemec-Osborne)

To students and parents:¡Hola! Welcome to Beginner Spanish. Please read the following and sign at the end to indicate that you have read, understood, and will adhere to the information provided.

Course:Beginner Spanish is an introductory course. Students will develop basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as develop a greater understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. You should have had little-to-no Spanish prior to this course.

Materials:

Students should bring the following materials to class

  • Realidades 1 workbook (pink)
  • Folder for the class and assignment book
  • Pen or pencil
  • Charged ipadand headphones to access the Realidades 1 ebook
  • A physical textbook to keep at home is available upon request.

Expectations:

In order to take full advantage of the time we have in class, I expect students to observe the following guidelines:

  • Be seated and prepared for class when the bell rings (with all the necessary materials)
  • Follow directions and complete all assignments on time
  • Raise your hand to speak or leave your seat
  • Remain alert, awake and on task during the class period
  • Respect yourself, those around you and the teacher (and their possessions)
  • Keep ALL electronic devices in your bag (cell phones, ipads, headphones, ipods, etc) unless you are told to take them out.
  • Practice Spanish if you finish classwork early
  • Do not grade grub or ask for extra credit

Evaluation:The ways in which you will be evaluated come in the following categories: class participation, homework, quizzes, tests and projects. Each is described on the next page.

Classwork: There is a lot of communication in the target language in the class and participation is essential. However, there is more to the grade than just raising your hand. In order to maintain a high classwork grade, you must be prepared and focused during class and complete all activities.I may randomly grade an in-class activity at any point to encourage students to be on task.

Homework: Homework is a useful tool to review the material taught and is abuilding block for the next topic or grammar point.Although homework will be given most nights, I maycollect and grade homework for both completion and quality at random. Late homework assignments will not be accepted, except in the case of an excused absence. The student is responsible for showing me their homework after being absent.

Quizzes (points vary): Students will be quizzed on material about once-twice per week. Most quizzes will be announced, but there may also be some “pop” quizzes. Point value will vary.

Chapter tests and projects: At the end of each chapter students will be evaluated in all skills- speaking, reading, writing and listening by a chapter exam and/or a project. Point value will vary.

Mid-term and final exam: The midterm and final are averaged to account for an extra fifth marking period. (20% of your final grade for the entire year)

Make up work:

Getting assignments and making up work after absence is YOUR responsibility. Ask a friend for notes missed in class and pick up any worksheets from me. If you miss a test or quiz, it will be dated and placed in a folder on my desk. You will schedule a date/time to make it up.Any quizzes or exams MUST be made up on the student’s time NOT during class. Unexcused absences will result in a zero.

A Note about Academic Integrity:

As outlined in the Penncrest High School Student handbook, students are expected to approach their studies in a diligent and honest manner. Any student cheating (or aiding another student in cheating) on a test or quiz, copying homework from another, or behaving in a dishonest manner will earn a grade of zero for that particular assessment, and the student’s parents will be notified. USE OF A CELLPONE OR IPAD DURING ANY ASSESSMENT WILL RESULT IN A ZERO.The practice of using online translators or native/advanced Spanish speakers to write entire sentences and paragraphs is considered plagiarism and cheating!

Respectful and cooperative attitudes will only enhance class time and make our year a positive and enjoyable one. I hope that you will find Beginner Spanish an exciting and interesting class! I encourage parents and students to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Please save this syllabus for your records.

Please sign the form on the next page and return it to Ms. Nemec-Osborne no later than _____.

I have read and understood the Beginner Spanish Syllabus and Student Responsibilities, and I agree to abide by the information contained herein.

Student name______Class Period______

Student signature______

Parent signature______Date______