Course Expectations

Palo Verde High School

Senorita Rush                                                         Room 228

Spanish 2H                                                         2008 - 2009

Course Objectives

       1.     To communicate in the Spanish language.

       2.     To become exposed to the Spanish culture.

       3.     To make connections between the function and usage of language.

       4.     To make comparisons between languages and cultures.

       5.     To become involved in the community using practical situations.

Course Outline

       This one-year course will follow the natural approach to second language acquisition:  listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Grades will be determined by in-class participation, oral and written assignments, homework, tests, and quarter projects.  Successful completion of this course will fulfill one of the elective credits for graduation.

Prerequisite

       Grade of "C" or higher in Spanish 1.

Grading Policy

       90 - 100% = A

            80 - 89%   = B

            70 - 79%   = C

            60 - 69%   = D

            50 - 59%   = F

Description of Grading Procedures

       Participation        30%

       Assignments        20%

       Projects            20%

       Tests/Quizzes      20%

       Homework          10%

Guidelines for Success

Guideline #1 - BE RESPONSIBLE

1.     Class begins when the tardy bell rings.  I follow the school tardy policy;     therefore if you are late, you will not be admitted without a pass from    the Dean's office.  Tardiness will affect your citizenship grade and may result in a loss of participation points.

2.     You are required to come to class each day prepared with a sharpened        pencil or a pen, planner, Spanish binder, textbook and workbook, and      other materials as required.  Failure to come to class prepared will      result in a loss of participation points.

3.     Remain in your seat and on-task during the entire class period.  You are     not allowed to line up at the door at the end of the period.  (This       creates a safety hazard.)  Remember that the teacher, not the bell,       dismisses the class.

Guideline #2 - ALWAYS TRY

1.     I expect you to be part of the learning community.  You should be ready    to actively participate, share your ideas, read aloud, and contribute to     class discussions.

2.     Don't be afraid of making mistakes!

3.     Turn in all assignments and homework on time.  If you know of an     assignment before your absence, that assignment is still due on the scheduled date.  It is up to you to arrange for someone to deliver it to me.

4.     Late work will be accepted for 50% of the total possible points.

5.     Extra credit will be offered each quarter.  Extra credit points do not        take the place of any participation points, assignments, homework or     tests, but will be added to the final percent earned.

Guideline #3 - DO YOUR BEST

1.     Write any homework, assignments or projects in your planner every day!     

2.     If any assignment is turned in that does not follow the correct format       or is not neatly done, the score may be lowered by one letter grade.

3.     Pay attention in class. If you do not understand the directions or an assignment, ask me to clarify it for you.  If you need additional help,    please come in before or after school.

4.     If you are absent, it is your responsibility to come in either before or        after school to ask for make-up work or to arrange a time for make-up tests or quizzes.  Do not ask me for make-up work during class time.

Guideline #4 - COOPERATE WITH OTHERS

1.     No food or drinks are allowed in the class, with the exception of water.

2.     Do not apply perfumes, colognes, smelly lotions, or makeup during class.

3.     Leave all "toys" at home!

4.     Cell phones must be turned OFF during class.  If they ring or vibrate,       they will be taken away until class ends.  If you refuse to cooperate,        the phone will be taken to the Dean's office and your parents will have     to come in to pick it up.

5.     Ipods are not allowed during class.  Put earphones away.  If I see     either of them, they will be taken away until class ends.  If you refuse to cooperate, your IPOD will be taken to the Dean's office and your   parents will have to come in to pick it up.

Guideline #5 - TREAT EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT

1.     Be polite to the teacher and all of your classmates.

2.     Agree to work together in groups and do your share of the work.

3.     Respect the teacher's and all other students' property.

4.     Do not misuse or damage school property.

5.     Be polite, helpful and respectful to substitute teachers.

6.     Keep the classroom clean!

Possible Careers

       Interpreter

       Journalist

       Flight Attendant

       Foreign Correspondent

       Teacher

       Concierge

       Public Relations

       Government

       Tour Director

       International Marketing

       Translator

Parent Involvement:

Your parents/guardians are a big part of your success at school.  Talk to them about your assignments, questions, activities, projects, and homework.  They want to share in your accomplishments!  The best way to contact me is through Interact:  ATRush@interact.ccsd.net.

Teacher/Student/Parent Contract

I have designed a course that will focus on foreign language acquisition including listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Throughout the year I will strive to create an atmosphere in my classroom where my students can achieve and succeed.

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(Teacher's Signature)

I have read the Course Expectations and I understand what I can expect from my teacher and what will be expected of me in this class.

_________________________________________________________

(Student's Signature)

I have read and reviewed the Course Expectations for this class with my student and I understand what will be expected of him/her in this class.

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(Parent's/Guardian's Signature)