2013 - 2014

Instructor Classroom Hermana Maite (S. Mary Therese Perez, OP) Rooms 30, 31 E-mail Phone mperez@fsha.org (best way to reach me)
Please email before calling (626) 685-8336

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Spanish I is a proficiency-based introduction to Spanish and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish through practice and performance in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication that reflect real life situations. This course requires active use of the language inside and outside the classroom, ensuring that students improve pronunciation, vocabulary, facility with idiomatic expressions, and grammatical skills. Built upon the 5 Cs of language learning (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities), this course integrates 21st Century Skills to provide students with a learner-centered environment that encourages language-proficiency development and cultural awareness.

The themes of Spanish I are:

1. Greetings and leave-takings 2. The classroom and school life 3. Family 4. Pastimes 5. Vacation 6. Clothing and shopping 7. Daily routine 8. Food

LEARNING GOALS Each unit is comprised of performance-based goals that reflect real life situations. The Metas de Aprendizaje (Learning Goals) articulate the overall unit goals, and the Objetivos de Aprendizaje (Learning Objectives) identify the foundational skills and concepts that will enable students to achieve the Metas. The Metas are categorized into the 3 modes of communication: Interpretive Communication The interpretive mode is the ability to listen to and read a text and interpret the meaning. Interpersonal Communication The interpersonal mode is active oral and written communication in which the participants negotiate meaning to make sure that their message is understood. Presentational Communication Presentational mode is written and oral communication in which the present must take into account the impact on the audience since this is one-way communication with limited opportunity for feedback.

*Students are expected to print the Metas de Aprendizaje and Objetivos de Aprendizaje sheets and place in their 3-prong foder. The sheets will be posted on TologNet. REQUIRED M ATERIALS A.) Texts:
1. 2. 3.

DESCUBRE Media Edition Level 1 (vText with Supersite code), Vista Higher Learning, Massachusetts, 2011. DESCUBRE Level 1, Cuaderno de prctica, Vista Higher Learning, Massachusetts, 2011. DESCUBRE Level 1, Cuaderno de actividades, Vista Higher Learning, Massachusetts, 2011.

B.) Two 3-prong folders (one you will leave in class, one you will keep with you) C.) Two dry erase markers (for class supply) Bring to every class: Laptop, homework, Cuaderno de actividades, Cuaderno de Prctica, folder with stamp sheets, pen, pencil, and highlighter. STUDENT EVALUATION For each unit, students can expect 2 performance assessments, 2 quizzes, and 1 test. Objetivos de Aprendizaje will be part of inclass assignments. Participation will be graded with a rubric every two weeks. Students will have daily homework and in-class assignments. Semester grades will be calculated as follows:

Quizzes and Tests...40% Projects/Presentations and In-class Assignments...25% Final Exam..15% Participation...10% Homework...10% PARTICIPATION Participation is imperative in successfully learning any language; thus students are expected to participate actively in class. To earn full participation points a student must:
Actively participate every day by asking/answering questions in Spanish and speaking with her partner in Spanish. Come to class every day. Participation points cannot be made up! Be prepared with all materials and assignments completed so that she can engage in discussions. Stay focused and on task.

IN-CLASS LAPTOP USAGE

Computers are to be brought to class, fully charged, on a daily basis. Computers are to be utilized for coursework and activities related to coursework. Do not use computers for entertainment during class (i.e., instant messaging, e-mailing, surfing the Internet, playing games, writing papers, doing homework, etc.). Acceptable uses include taking notes, following along with the instructor on PowerPoint or Smart Notebook, and other whole class activities, as well as working on assigned in-class activities, projects, and discussions that require laptop use. It is easy for your laptop to become a distraction to you and to those around you; dont let it be.

Laptop usage is part of the Participation grade.

HOM EW ORK
Homework will be assigned daily, posted on TologNet and, in most cases, due at the next class meeting. Homework should be complete, out on your desk and ready to be turned in at the beginning of each block. NO LATE HOMEWORK will be accepted except in the case of an absence (see absence policy).

ABSENCES / M AKE-UP W ORK

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the assignment from TologNet and make up the work. It is expected that whenever possible you will have the make-up work ready to turn in on the day you return to class. If that is not possible, the homework assignment will be due at the following class meeting. Projects and major assignments are still due on their due date, regardless of absences and should be turned in electronically, with a friend or to my mailbox in the front office. If you are absent on the day of a presentation and have to make it up later, you need to arrange a time with me to make it up. Work not turned in by the appropriate date will not be accepted and will go in the grade book as a ZERO. If you are absent the day of a quiz or test, you must make it up IMMEDIATELY upon your return during the enrichment period. If you come to school late and missed a test or quiz in class, you are expected to take it that same day during enrichment. If you need to leave school early due to sports and will miss a test or quiz, you need to take it either the day before or the day after (even if our block does not meet that day).

ACADEM IC HONESTY Cheating on an assignment, test, quiz, or exam will automatically earn students a zero. This includes plagiarism. Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook for the school procedures on academic honesty. **The use of online translators is considered cheating and will be treated as such. Students are expected to turn in their own writing in Spanish. Dictionaries are fine to use. An excellent resource is www.wordreference.com.** EXPECTATIONS Communication: You are required to check TologNet and your fshamail email DAILY. It is your responsibility to check for announcements and assignments and you will be held accountable for knowing the information given through those outlets. Students and parents should feel free to contact me any time with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is by email at mperez@fsha.org. Cell phones : The FSHA Parent and Student Handbook states that no cell phone or any other kind of electronic device is allowed in the classroom. They must be left in the locker, which must be locked. These devices are not allowed in backpacks or on ones person in any

classroom. Cell phones should not be used inappropriately, cause a distraction, or be disruptive in the classroom. Occasionally, cell phones will be used for in-class activities. Students will be notified prior to the activity.

Enrichment and Extra Help : I welcome students to come in and talk to me about any academic or personal concerns during enrichment or to make an appointment to see me before or after school. If you need help or dont understand an assignment, it is your responsibility to come in. Students getting a C- or lower in the class will be REQUIRED to come see me during enrichment for extra help to improve their grade. If you are struggling, DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to get helpit will be too late! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The student will conduct herself like a young lady of integrity. Disruptive and disrespectful behavior is unacceptable. The student will be an active participant in class activities, using as much Spanish as possible. All necessary materials will be brought to class each day unless otherwise notified by the teacher. Computers are to be utilized for coursework and activities related to coursework. Computers are not to be used for entertainment during class. The assigned reading and homework will be finished before class begins. Work for other classes is not to be done in the Spanish classroom. Cell phones and iPods will not be allowed in the classroom. The student is responsible for the assignments/announcements communicated through TologNet and fshamail and is expected to check both daily.

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN SPANISH: PRACTICE you cant fully learn a language by thinking about it or simply by hearing it; you need to speak it as much as you can. Practice in class as well as with friends outside of the classroom STUDY every day for 15-20 minute increments. Cramming wont help you acquire the language. KEEP UP everything you learn will be based on previous concepts, so you need to stay up to date. If you are struggling, dont wait until the last minute to get help. Come see me during Enrichment. DONT TRANSLATE directly from English to Spanish. The more you practice thinking in Spanish, the easier it will become.

I have read the syllabus for Spanish I and understand what is expected of the participants in this class. Student name (printed) Parent/Guardian signature

Student signature