The major purpose of this course is to provide the student with greater opportunities to practice in listening and speaking Spanish within limited scope. Communication is the main goal of the foreign language classroom. Students learn the appropriate grammar or structural pattern when needed for comprehending or conveying messages. They also learn the correct use of basic elenentary structures in reading and writing of familiar material. They learn the culture of a region, as well as an appreciation of customs of Spanish-speaking people, is stressed as an integral part of language learning as instruction, is set within a global context. Concepts related to geography as well as the origins of the Spanish language are taught through lectures and videos.

Required Class Materials:

• Textbook - Paso a Paso 1st Year
• 2 folders (3-ring) with pockets and colored pencils
• Spanish Dictionary
• 8-1/2 x 11 white paper
• White-Out for corrections - No work will be accepted if it is messy!
• Blue or black ink pen for all assignments. Absolutely no red ink is allowed on any material assigned! Red ink may only be used in class for correcting materials
• Highlighter (any color)

Grading determination is based on the following:

• Tests
• Written and oral quizzes
• Cultural and language projects TBA during the course
• Oral presentation (cultural and language)
• Video presentation
• Homework
• Portfolios

The semester grade will be calculated on the basis of the 18 week total (80%) and the semester final exam (20%).

The ultimate determination of your grade depends on your oral presentation in class, test grades and the overall assessment I make of you as a student of the Spanish language.

Classroom Expectations:
It is your responsibility to follow the discipline policy and as you have written it in your notebook. This syllabus will provide you wlth more specific guidelines.

Portfolios
You are expected to present a portfolio of your daily work which includes:

• dittos
• tests and qulzzes
• cultural notes

A second portfolio will consist of projects and research. You will receive a separate paper for this.

Assignments:

• All assignments are due the following class session, unless otherwise specified
• Late assignments will be accepted only by those students that return with an excused absence slip
• Tests cannot be made up so it is imperative that you do not miss those days
• Your grade will also be based on your performance in class. You must be able to show proficiency in all the lessons that we cover in the class
• Paper heading on all assignments:
  John Smith (Juan)
  El quince de septiembre 1997
  Actividad 1,2,3

Extra Credit
Extra credit assignments will be posted occasionally. They are intended to enrich your experience of the cultural component of this class - not to replace a grade for missed test.

Tardy Policy:

• You are tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings
• Four (4) or more unexcused tardies to First period will result in a Saturday detention and a "U" in your work habits grade
• In special cases when a teacher requires your presence, you are required to bring a written note excusing you

Discipline Policy:

• Respect is to be directed to the teacher and your fellow classmates at all times
• Follow directions the first time they are given
• Be in your seat with required materials for the entire class period
• Raise your hand and be recognized before speaking
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
• Absolutely no cursing or teasing of any kind is allowed

Consequences:

1. Warning
2. Three minutes after class
3. Three minutes after class and a demerit
4. Severe disruptions are referred to the principle and parent/teacher conference is required in order for student to be admitted back into the classroom