Name of Course: Spanish 3. Year 2007-2008
Name of Teacher: Cecilia Phillips
E-Mail Address: cphillip@aptoshs.net
VoiceMail #688-6565 x668		Room # I-201	Preparation Period: 2
I	Course Description/Outline (reflects needed skills) This course is one in a sequence of levels that cover the study of all aspects for foreign language—speaking listening, reading, writing, and culture. Thus, the study of foreign language addresses ESLRs A, B, C, and D on almost a daily basis, and students will be evaluated on how well they achieve in these areas. The third-year course expands vocabulary, accelerates oral comprehension and expression, raises reading proficiency, and written communication. These goals are reached through directed conversations, simulations, role playing, oral presentations, and group activities, At appropiate times, historical and cultural events will be commemorated.
II	Materials Provided (name of textbook, other resources, videos used, etc.) Realidades 3 texbook and workbook . Class workbooks will be provided free of cost to the student. Students will receive a textbook to take home and need to return it at the end of the semester. The cost of replacing it in case of loss is $60.00 the La Catrina video series, is another important part of the course. The 11 episodes will be shown about twice a month. the students can first hear and watch the events and then hear and read the tapescript in order to further increase their literacy.
III	Materials Required 1. Spanish notebook—Students should keep a spiral bound notebook separate from their other classes that contains all work that they are expected to master as the year progresses. The notebook will serve as a sequential study guide for quizzes, tests, and final exams. Because of security precautions, I keep all quizzes, tests, and exams after we review them in class.
IV	Goals (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, etc., specific reference to ESLRs and state standards or connect to 1. To read, write, understand and speak Spanish at an upper intermediate level and to gain a deeper understanding of the various cultures where Spanish is spoken.
	Units of Study (activities)  The aim is to get through chapters 1 to 3 on the first semester and the second semester we will continue with chapters 4-8. Each chapter has a theme and two sections, Each section introduces new vocabulary and grammar. In the themes covered by each chapter the students will learn to describe a visit to a national park, talk about the arts, talk about symptoms and remedies, express how you relate to friends and family. Talk about ways of getting a job, talk about careers and professions, describe what archaelogist do, and describe how different cultures interact. Time for study outside of class is essential, with assignments requiring reading, writing, and daily review
VI	Methods of Assessment (may include tests, portfolios, projects, essays, etc.) Students are assessed by their ability to achieve the objectives or reading, writing, understanding, and speaking Spanish. Tests are fairly evenly divided between vocabulary acquisition and mastery of grammatical structures. Students will also receive a grade for class participation which includes oral participation, presentations and cooperation and a grade for homework assignments.
VII	Methods to accommodate language learners and other target populations The entire pedagogy of foreign language instruction addresses this objective. Accommodations are made for students with 504 plans or other special needs, and besides the tutorial period, I am available at lunch or after school by appointment for extra help. A list of professional tutors is also available.
VIII	Units or activities that address language standards needed for High School Exit Exam (for classes other than language arts) The study of foreign language reinforces many of the standards that students must master for the HSEE. The regular study of Spanish grammar bolsters students’ understanding of English grammar, and the ongoing acquisition of vocabulary helps students expand their English vocabulary. For example, the quite common word “amable” in Spanish to acknowledge a kind act is a cognate to the rather advanced English word “Amiable.” Those connections occur constantly in Foreign Language study.
IX	Class Procedures (missed assignments, make up work assignment format) Homework is always due the next class day unless otherwise specified. To motivate students to be prepared for the day’s lesson, students cannot submit late homework and receive credit. Rewarding students for late work only encourages them to come to class unprepared for the day’s lesson. If a student has an excused absence, the student must make up the previous day’s homework and do that day’s homework and show both of them to me the next day. If the student does not show me the made-up work, she will not receive credit for that work. Test Make-up: Quizzes and tests are the responsibility of the student to make up. They must be made up within two weeks. It is the student’s responsibility to set up a time for the test make-up. The tutorial time during block schedule days is most convenient for make-ups. If not made up within that time frame, student will get a zero or F grade for the test. It is also the student’s responsibility to make up class work by getting the work that they missed from another student or asking me for handouts. If students are still unclear about how to make up work that they missed, they can consult with me outside of the instructional time. Also, if a student needs to discuss anything with me related to a grade or credit they received on an assignment, they need to schedule a time outside of class to do so. LATE HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED UNLESS IT IS AN EXCUSED ABSENCE
X	Behavioral Expectations (and consequences) Spanish is a college preparatory course, so behavioral expectations are high. If a student disrupts the learning environment I will give warning, and talk to them after class. If a student disrupts the class more than once on a given day, I will ask them to go outside. If the student responds with some sort of denial or challenge as in “What?” or the student has repeated a disruption, I will call the parent. If I have to call home more than once, I will request administrative intervention with all parties to attend a meeting. If problems continue to persist, I will request that the student be dropped from the course and an F grade be assigned for the semester. 1. Follow directions the first time, each time. 2. No distractions, showing off or unacceptable behavior. 3. No eating or chewing during class time, unless it’s an organized function. Water is OK 4. No headsets, hats, shades, sweatshirts over the head, beepers, cell phones, laser pointers, gang signs or attire, inappropriate clothing or grooming. 5. Be seated in your place before the bell rings. If you are out of your seat you will be maked late. The teacher, not the bell, dismisses class. 5 tardies = Saturday School. Excessive tardies = referral to AP. 6. Keep the peace; honor your classmates and your teacher. No swearing, inappropriate remarks or disturbing others when working. 7. Protect your textbooks and other property. Don’t borrow materials from others; bring your own. Pencils are always needed. 8. Use bathroom pass: fill it out, go quietly, and be back in 3 minutes. You get 4 bathroom passes a year. After that it will be marked as a tardy. 9. Stay in your seat; sharpen pencil only during work periods. Throw paper away at the end of the class on your way out. 10. If you have a bad cold and need to blow your nose, do so outside. 11. Honor a substitute. Consequences are severe and swift otherwise.
XI XII	Grading policy: Test and quizzes (60%), class participation (20%) and homework (20%). Grades are posted on the wall and my web site. so students can easily see if they are missing anything that they need to make up. Remember that if the web grade seems unreasonably low, that is because any test or quiz that the student has to make up reads as a 0 and will drop the grade precipitously. The following scale determines semester grades. 40%--First quarter grade 40%--Second quarter grade 20%--Final exam · ACADEMIC HONESTY IS REINFORCED: As per California Education Code and District Policy, the student must create all work. It is considered cheating if a student works with a partner on an assignment that was to be done individually. Cheating of any kind will result in a grade of zero (0) on the assignment, notification of your parent or guardian, and a discipline referral to the Administration. · DURING TESTING: No talking, no wandering or going outside, cell phones turned off and put away. · after testing: when we are correcting or going over the test in class, students must put away all pencils and pens. Any attempt of student to change an answer will result in an F grade for that test. Not following the rules will result in a lower grade for that test and a call home. · Failure to follow testing rules will result in a grade F for that test, followed by a referral for academic disonesty and a call home. Million Word Challenge Essay Due: Before but no later than May 20, 2008 Read a book from the recommended book list or check with teacher for approval if not on the list. Write a page of approximately 250-300 words. It must be 12 font and double spaced. You may see some essay samples also. Please include/answer the following: Author, title and number of words of essay on top right What impressed you about the book? What was the general plot, theme and main characters in the book. Why did you choose this book? Would you recommend it? Why or why not? How did this book expand your knowledge of Hispanic culture? Name at least 3 things. What was the basic message/theme that the author was conveying? The grade for your million word essay is worth 3 to 4 stamps (or one full garde) in your may homework calendar.
I have read & understand the “Course Syllabus” for... ........................................................................................................................ Parent/Guardian Signature................................................................................................................. Student Signature Date: cc: Teacher Student