Grading Policy and Class Expectations

 

 

12/30/07

 

 

 

bulletClass Expectations/Introduction: Research shows that we learn a foreign language most easily and most thoroughly through activities that simulate the way we learned our native language. To re-create the way students have learned their first language, this course will:

1.     Expose students to as much comprehensible input in Spanish as possible through listening and reading in the language. What they hear and read is intentionally tailored to their level of understanding.

2.     Use repetition of key material so that Spanish will be stored in long-term memory. Students will not be memorizing what they have heard or read; the repetition will store the vocabulary and structure in the brain, which allows them to apply what they know to new linguistic situations.

3.     Give the students the opportunity to learn vocabulary and grammar by using them correctly in context, rather than memorizing vocabulary lists and focusing solely on grammar exercises.

4.     Use gestures and pantomime to mimic real situations, which add further meaning to the language.

5.     Allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of Spanish by speaking and writing, which are the means of evaluation.

 

Quarterly grades

  
bullet Vocabulary & Structures                                20 %
bullet Listening & Reading                                       20 %
bullet Speaking                                                         20 %
bullet Writing                                                            20 %
bulletLanguage practice (in-class)                          20 %

    ** Tests/projects in the above categories are double weighted.

   
bullet Mid-term & final exams are 10% each of your final grade for the year.
bullet It is the policy of TRHS that any student who is found cheating will automatically receive a grade of zero and parents will be notified.
 
   

Textbook & Notebook requirements

bulletAvailable at any time to the students upon request, textbooks must be covered (do not use any contact-type covering). You are responsible for keeping the text in good condition & will be assessed for any damages that occur during the year – even if a “friend” is the person who damages the book.
bulletI recommend a notebook that is dedicated to Spanish, with ample paper for taking notes, sections for hand-outs, readings, and songs. Plan to keep this notebook for the duration of the year.
     
bullet HOMEWORK: Homework represents an opportunity to practice skills you have learned in class.
bulletFor optimum success in this class, you should review current and past vocabulary on a daily basis. I recommend that you practice retelling the most recent story we have done in class, or even make up a new one.
bulletAssignments will most frequently correlate to the National Standards areas of Communication, Cultures, and Comparisons.
bulletYou will receive full credit for all homework that is completed, original, and passed in on-time. Note: some assignments will be graded on completion of task, others on accuracy.
bulletIf you miss a homework assignment, you may choose to pass it in the following day for ˝ credit. Note: If your homework is not submitted when I ask for it, it is considered late.
bulletFor parents who want to work with their child, they can:
bulletlisten to the retell in Spanish or translation of a class story or reading
bullethelp review the vocabulary by asking for the Spanish translation

 

bullet Language Practice: Student must look actively engaged in the lesson.
bullet

An actively engaged student is on-time to class, has necessary materials, is on-task, and speaks only Spanish.

bullet

Each student begins the quarter with 100% (A+) of their grade (100 points).

bulletFive points will be subtracted (Págame) for:

§        Not looking engaged in learning *

§        Speaking English without permission*

§        Excused/exempt tardy to class*  (not including an occasional couple of minutes with pass from another teacher, nurse, office, guidance)

Note: Work cannot be made up for any unexcused absence, tardy, or removal from class (TRHS policy).

* To make-up a Págame – options

bullet Págames must be made up within one week.
bullet100-word (minimum) essay/story in Spanish using the vocabulary we are working on in class, or
bulletA positive act for the whole class in Spanish (sing a song, recite a poem, tell/read a story) – prearrange this with me
bulletAll págames for excused tardies can be made up; maximum of 5 págames for the other reasons can be made up (per quarter)

***   Excused or Exempt Absence from class (includes any school-related activity): Learning a language requires repetitive exposure to the language in an understandable format. When a student misses class, s/he is missing the opportunity to acquire Spanish. In order to make up for this missed opportunity the student must make up any graded assignments from the class (after school), obtain any notes & hand-outs, and write an essay of 100 words in Spanish, that practices the vocabulary used in the missed class. The absence essay must be made up within one week of the student’s return to school.

Note: This is not a “punishment” for being absent; the essay is to reinforce and practice the material that was taught when the student was not in class and missed 48 minutes of comprehensible input. It helps prevent him/her from falling behind.

 

                                                     If you miss a class:                                                                  

bulletYou have 3 days to provide documentation to me for an absence. You will not receive language practice credit if the absence is unexcused. Please put the absence slip on my table in the front of class & I will return it to you.
bulletA late assignment will only be accepted for full-credit if you have an excused/exempt absence. All assignments must be made up within 3 school days from your return.
bulletIf you miss a homework assignment, you can choose to pass it in the following day for ˝ credit.
bulletProjects/long-term assignments lose 10 points (or 10%) per day for each day after the deadline (TRHS policy).
bulletYou are responsible for obtaining notes and assignments for any classes. Check with your partner first, and see me for any photocopies/hand-outs before or after school.
bulletArrange to meet with me BEFORE or AFTER school to find out what you have missed & make up the work. Unfortunately, I do not have enough time to give you complete information between classes or during other classes.
bulletTests are unannounced. Therefore, understand that I am not able to tell you that you missed a quiz/test, as this would give you an unfair advantage over those who were in class that day. Rather, I can tell you if you missed work that was graded.
bulletA test can be retaken if you are not satisfied with the grade, within 3 days after taking the test or quiz.
bulletMake-ups & retakes of tests: make prior arrangements with me to avoid scheduling conflicts.

 

The World Language Department Contract rules apply; specifically I want to emphasize that there is no eating, drinking (except water), wearing of hats/hoods or chewing gum in class, and no electronic devices (Ipods, cell phones, etc).

 

This signed policy is to be kept in your notebook for reference all year long.

Student's signature:               _______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature:     _______________________________________________

 

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