Course Syllabus: Spanish 1/Spanish 1 Advanced

Mr. Mills – 578-2610 (voicemail ext. 4211)

Planning: 2nd (9:15-10:15)

Email:

Class website:

(also found on school website: )

Course Description: Spanish I is a course in basic conversational Spanish, Spanish grammar including the present tense, and Hispanic culture. Four approaches are used: listening, speaking, writing, and reading, with the aid of audio materials, and guided practice. The course is taught in accordance with state and national foreign language standards, also known as the “5 Cs.” That is, Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. To accomplish these goals, much class time will be spent using only the target language. *Spanish I Advancedfollows the above description but will better prepare students for the higher levels of Spanish at Boiling Springs High School. While the workload will be similar, more class time will be devoted to increasing students’ oral proficiency in Spanish and improving their writing skills. *Spanish I Advanced is not an Honors course.

Provided Materials:

Textbook: Avancemos Uno

Workbook: Práctica por niveles

Materials needed:

Spanish Notebook (please see details below)

Spanish/English dictionary

Notebook paper

Pencils

Spanish Notebook

You will be required to keep a Spanish Notebook in order to promote organization skills for your academic success. This should be kept neat and organized at all times. It will be used daily, and it will be periodically checked for a grade. This will be a 3 ring binder, at least 2 inches thick, with 4 section dividers labeled as follows:

  • Para empezar(for warm-up activities)
  • Vocabulario (for vocabulary)
  • Trabajos (for notes, classwork & homework)
  • Cultura (for cultural activities & information)

*In addition, you will keep blank notebook paper & your workbook in your Spanish Notebook.

Classroom Policies

Students are expected to:

  • Be on time and prepared each day. (binder, textbook, pencils, completed assignments, etc)
  • Be respectful of others. (opinions, personal space and property, feelings, ideas, etc.)
  • Follow directions and stay on task. (Use time wisely!)
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Raise your hand and receive permission to speak or leave your desk.
  • Not do anything that creates a problem for anyone else in the classroom or school.
  • Be your best!

Classroom Procedures

1. Use restroom/go to locker before entering classroom. Once you enter you may not leave without a pass.

2. If necessary, pick up make-up work.

*If you are absent you are responsible for picking up your make-up work from the designated area. Any make-up work will need to be turned in the next day. Extended time will be given for extended absences.

3. Go directly to your seat & begin bellwork. NO STANDING AROUND.

Remain quiet until bell work is checked.

4. Each day, class will begin with an activity for bellwork. During this time I will be taking attendance,checking/collecting make up work, and addressing any individual student needs. Bellwork will be included in your participation grade.

5. When you have a question, use all available resources (glossary, dictionary, vocabulary lists) before asking.

Important Notes

  • Disruptive behavior during class will not be tolerated. This includes anything that hinders student learning and class progress.
  • I truly want my students to succeed. If you are putting forth the effort, but continue to have a hard time with the expectations of this course, please see me about tutoring. Please don’t think you won’t need it after the next test! The curriculum builds! If you don’t understand a grammar topic, it will affect your ability to understand future lessons, and your grade will begin a gradual, often rapid, decline.
  • Homework is typically graded according to the following criteria:

√+: 100%Work is complete, & reflects student’s best ability; √: 84% Work is not complete, or does not reflect student’s ability; √-: 76% Minimal effort is displayed; 0: Not done

  • Students will receive regular participation grades, 20 points a day. 10 daily points are reserved for bellwork, and 10 daily points are reserved for completing class activites, repeating vocabulary, answering questions, etc. No participation points will be withheld because of absenses.
  • Homework assignments are not typically accepted late unless there are some extenuating circumstances. When they are accepted late, they are given half credit.

Consequences for violating classroom policies or procedures

  • Students who arrive late to class without a pass will be required to stand at back of room for a period of 5-60 minutes. (School-wide policy)
  • Should tardiness become an issue, the student will be referred to administration.
  • Any student caught cheating on quiz will receive a zero, and will not be permitted a retake.
  • Any student caught cheating on a test will receive a zero on the test. They may use their “Do-Over” test if they haven’t already done so. (See “Do-Over” policy, Student Handbook, p 8) The Do-Over will be a different test, same material.
  • All other offenses:

1st offense: warning; 2nd offense: detention & call to parent; 3rd offense: call to parent &/or referral to administration. See student handbook for detailed information on disorderly conduct.

Evaluation Procedure:

  • Tests40%
  • Quizzes20%
  • Class & Homework20%
  • Participation20%

Grading Scale:93-100=A 85-92=B 77-84=C 70-76=D 0-69=F

Remember: By participating, behaving, and following all rules and procedures, you will gain the ability to UNDERSTAND, SPEAK, READ, WRITE, THINK, and even DREAM in Spanish. As your teacher, my job is to create a classroom environment that is rich in Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Take advantage!

Spanish I:
Dear students and parents,

Please return the top portion of the page and please let me know that you have read and understand the course description, classroom procedures, classroom rules, course requirements, and consequences for disruptive behavior by signing below and returning this page.

Student Name______

Student Signature______

Parent Name______

Parent Signature______

Parent contact information: (Please write clearly)

Parent cell ______

Parent email______

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Please keep this portion of the page: Emailing me will ensure the quickest response possible. By visiting my class website you can keep track of what your student is studying in class, as well as what homework he/she has each day.

Email: Class website:

**Are there any unique circumstances you would like me to be aware of regarding your child?
If so, please explain below. (For example: health issues, vision problems, social/behavioral issues, etc.)