Español I Fall Semester 2008-09

Español I Fall Semester 2009

Instructor: Alfredo Zavaleta

E-Mail: alfredo.zavaleta@cowetaschools.org

Phone: 770-254-2850

Syllabus

1. Course Description: Spanish I, builds a foundation for the Spanish language by introducing useful, everyday Spanish in a format that has the student listening, speaking, reading and writing as they learn.

2. Course Objective: The students should be able to:

• Identify and utilize phrases and words related to school, family, and clothing.

• Demonstrate usage of various aspects of Spanish syntax.

• Interact with others in the language asking simple questions and answering accurately in the Spanish language.

• Express themselves by conversing in the present tense

• Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences.

The ability to communicate in Spanish is the main objective of the class. We will begin with elementary knowledge, namely, the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, weather, seasons, time, etc. and progress through phrases and syntax that will represent to you the spoken and written language of Spanish. Lesson plans follow the Georgia Standard Guidelines as posted on the Standards website. www.georgiastandard.org

3. Text & Related Materials:

• En Español! Level 1, textbook and workbooks

• 3 ring binder with dividers and pockets

• Black or blue ink pen & pencils

• Notebook paper

• Index Cards at least 4x6 in size

4. Grading Policy:

• 40%-Participation

• Classwork

• Homework

• Workbooks

• Picture Story Books

• 10%-Projects

• Current Events

• Lab time

• Lab Projects

• 15% -Quizzes

• 20%-Tests

• 15%-Final Exam

Participation

· Classwork: In order to practice the four areas of language development (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), it is crucial that you participate in class. Therefore, you will receive a grade for your work and participation. You must work diligently on all assignments assigned and listen quietly during instruction in order to receive a good participation grade. If you talk in English while the Spanish sign is up, you will be deducted participation points as well. Warm-ups (Actividades) will be on the board for you to do when you enter the room. These are included in your daily grade. You will be given notebook or warm-up checks unannounced throughout the semester as quiz grades.*

• Homework: In order to better learn the Spanish language, it is important that you continue practice and use of the language outside of the class. Therefore, every day you have a homework assignment, which is to study what we cover in class for at least 15 minutes. In addition you will other assignments I may post on the board. Homework assignments will be written on the board, it is your responsibility to write them in your agenda. I will not accept late homework, nor will I let you go to your locker to retrieve your homework. Working on homework during class is not allowed; unless you are given instruction to begin. Homework must be turned in the moment it is called for otherwise you will receive a zero. You will only receive credit for completed homework; no partial credit will be given.*

• Workbooks: Mas Practica & Actividades used for classroom warm-ups, homework and class work.

• Picture Stories: This is a weekly project where you will be defining the words we learn in class in a picture story board format. The story board will have a series of at least ten pictures/drawings, with a spanish sentence for each scene.

Projects

• Current Events: Olympics

• Lab Projects

Quiz:

• Quizzes may be announced or unannounced. You will be expected to take the quiz even if you are absent or on a field trip the day before the quiz.

• Lab quizzes relates to answers sheets when doing computer lab work.

Tests: Test dates are given in advance, expect one test per chapter. If you are absent or on a field trip the day before the test, you must still take the test on the assigned day. There must be no talking during a test, this is considered cheating. TALKING = CHEATING*

Final Exam: Comprehensive test - assessing knowledge acquired throughout the semester.

All rules and procedures are based on the Coweta County Handbook.

5. Attendance/Tardiness/Make-up work: Your presence in class is important when learning the Spanish language, since we will be doing listening and speaking exercises that you will not be able to do at home. Absences will also affect your participation grade. If your absence is excused, then you have 3 days to make up your work for credit. It is your responsibility to obtain all make up work (there will be a file for make-up work). If your absence is unexcused, you will receive a zero for all missed assignments.

Arriving on time means you should be in your seat with the materials on your desk when the last bell rings. When you walk in you should begin working on the warm-up silently. You should make sure you use the restroom, get water, and go to your locker before class.

Field trips: It is your responsibility to come to me for any work we will be doing on the day of your absence. If you miss an announced test or quiz due to a field trip, you will have two days to make it up.

6. Binder: You must have a 3 ring binder with dividers for this class only. You must include the following sections: grammar notes, class work, homework, and vocabulary, with this syllabus and your warm-ups in the front. This binder may be taken up at any time for a quiz grade. Therefore it is necessary that it be kept organized. Make sure you stock your binder with paper, and pencils in your pencil holder.

7. Book and materials: You must bring your book to class daily. Books should be covered at all times. You will be charged a fee if any damage is done to the book or any other material.

8. Academic dishonesty/cheating: Cheating on tests, quizzes, exams, or any graded assignments will result in an automatic zero. Other disciplinary actions as established by school policy will be implemented.

Note: Any exchanges, verbal or otherwise, and/or having any unauthorized materials are a violation of testing procedures and will call for a disciplinary referral.

9. Internet and computer use: No warning will be given for computer tampering.

10. Testing materials: Tests and quizzes provided by the publishers may not under any circumstances leave the classroom. Students and/or parents may review them in the classroom before or after school.

11. Classroom Expectations:

• Come to class prepared and on time

• Keep your hands, feet, objects, and negative comments to yourself

• Follow instructions given by the teacher

• Leave gum, food, and drinks outside of the classroom

If you choose to not follow one of the above expectations, there will be consequences. Consequences include: detention, contacting your parent/guardian, and office referrals.

12. Make up work: It is your responsibility to get your assignment. You will have 3 days to complete missed work with an excused absence. Remember that class time is very valuable. It is extremely difficult to reproduce class activities in a make-up session. When you are participating on a field trip you are responsible for getting all of your work turned in on time.

Additional Help: I will be available mornings only. Make an appointment with me whenever you would like to come in for additional help or need to make up an assignment.

Bonus Points: Flashcards are to be made for bonus points. There will be one set per chapter and it can only be turned in the day of the test if and only if you have received full credit on all the homework for the current chapter. Flashcards have to include all the vocabulary words of the chapter. One side will have the Spanish word, it's antonym and a synonym and the other side will have the English word for each. Flashcards have to be on a 3 X 5 note card and can only have one vocabulary word represented per card.

Please sign and return: We have read and understand the rules and guidelines brought forth in this syllabus. We further understand all rules and guides are based on the Coweta Schools Handbook and the Georgia Standards.

Your expectations and goals for this course: After having read and understood the syllabus, in this final section you and your parents will be asked to state your goals and expectations for this class. This is to include the grade level you will be working toward and the proficiency level you are applying your studies toward. This will determine for us a "Game Plan". Deviations from this game plan will be addressed to all parties involved in order to discover, address and adjust for the problem in a timely basis. (Please check below your goal request)