Spanish II Syllabus

Spanish II

2007-2008

¡Bienvenidos!   Welcome to Spanish II class.  In this class we will learn language in a variety formats.  We will continue to build on what you have learned in Spanish I.  We will follow the National Standards on foreign language education, emphasizing communication, culture, connections, comparisons and communities.

My hope is that you will have fun while learning a foreign language.  This class is a team; everyone needs to work together.  Further, if you have ideas or suggestions, please share them.  My goal is that at the end of this course you will be effective communicators in Spanish.  “¿Por qué hablar español?  ¡Porque es excelente!

Communication:          Students will learn to communicate in a language other than

English.

Cultures:                     Students will gain knowledge and understanding of other

cultures.

Connections:               Students will connect the foreign language with other academic

Comparisons:              Students will develop insight into the nature of another language

and culture.

Communities:  Students will participate in multilingual communities at home and

around the world.

Texts:                   We will be using the text book ¡Ven Conmigo!;  chapters

3-9 (This is due to beginning in January last school year.)

We will also use other readings from time to time, and we have access to online programs to help with learning Spanish.

Expectations:         For any organization to run well, there are rules that need to be followed.

To be successful, you need to be:

• Present:            It is imperative that you are in the classroom to learn Spanish.
• Prompt:            You are to be in the room and seated when the bell rings. 
• Prepared:         It is expected that you will have the following materials with you

each day: textbook, binder, assignments, and pen/ pencil.

• Polite:               You need to treat any person in the classroom with respect.  Also,

you are a guest in the room, and you need to treat the property with respect.

• Participating:     Learning a foreign language takes a great deal of work.  As with

any subject, the more you do it, the better you will become.  Participation will take place in many forms such as, listening, speaking, reading and writing.

**** A note on electronic devices:  My suggestion is that you leave them at home or in your locker.  If I see your cell phone or music player (the wire stringing up through your shirt counts!) I will take it.  The first time, you will get it back at the end of the hour.  After one time, it will be given to the principal and your parent/ guardian will need to call for you to get it back.

Grading: 

1)      All grades will be assigned and recorded as percentages.  When homework is handed back, record immediately on your grade sheet, and keep the homework in you notebook. 

2)      Homework will be graded in a variety of ways.  It may be graded in class, for a percentage, or it may be stamped for points. 

3)      Participation is essential to learning a language.  You will receive a sheet to record “flechas.”  You earn a flecha for a complete sentence spoken in Spanish. (“Sí” and “no” do not count.)  For an “A” you need to have 10 flechas per week.  You may also stay before or after class.  Further, if you speak to the teacher outside of the classroom it is worth double flechas.

4)      You need to have your binder in class.  On unannounced occasions, there will be binder checks worth points.

5)      Grading Scale:

93-100             A                     90-92               A-                    87-89               B+

83-86               B                      80-82               B-                    77-79               C+

73-76               C                     70-72               C-                    67-69               D+

63-66               D                     60-62               D-                    59 and below   F

Make Up Work:        

• Late homework is not accepted.  If you are present when it is assigned and the day it is due, it needs to be turned in.
• If you are absent, it is your responsibility to check the calendar and the make up work folder in the class.  
• For projects where you have had at least one week of notice, they are still due on the assigned due date.  Do NOT wait to the last minute to do your project.  You should walk in the door, ready to turn in the project.  For each day late, 25% will be taken from the final grade.