Instructor:  Carol Furrow                                       

Room: 202

Home Phone:  634-2410                                             

Planning period: 3^rd hour (10:00 – 10:50 a.m.)

Email:  furrowcarol@bcchs.org

• En sus marcas by James Funston

• 3-ring Binder (for Spanish only)

Objectives: To begin the process of learning a new language, which requires years of study. In this first year, students will acquire vocabulary and grammar skills and will begin to speak and write. This will be accomplished through active participation in listening, speaking, reading and writing exercises. We will address the National Standards for foreign language:

• Students will communicate in Spanish through oral and written communication.
• Students will create comparisons of their culture and the Spanish language culture.
• Students will develop an understanding of the cultures where Spanish is spoken.
• Students will make connections by reinforcing their knowledge of other disciplines.
• Students will use Spanish in their communities.

     Semester grades will consist be calculated by taking 45% from each of the 2 quarters and 10% from the semester exam. Quarter grades consist of the following:

                        Participation 25%

Preparation 25%

Tests and Quizzes 50%

    The Bishop Carroll grading scale will be followed:

                        A+ 99-100                              C+ 83-84                    F 69 & below

                        A   95-98                                C   78-82

A-    93-94                  C-  76-77

B+ 91-92                                    D+ 74-75

B   87-90                                    D   72-73

B-  85-86                                    D-  70-71

Attendance is critical to success in a foreign language class.  In addition to being there, students are expected to bring necessary materials and to arrive in class on time and ready to participate fully in class activities.  Participation includes attendance (¡claro!) and working effectively in class to master the objectives of the unit (¡en español!). Each student will be asked to participate in conversation and other oral activities (group or individual) during the semester.  Some activities are for practice; others will be evaluated.  This work is critical to success in acquisition of the foreign language and for full participation points.

·        Each student will keep a notebook (3-ring binder) organized according to requirements that will be explained at the beginning of the semester.  These will be checked periodically. Maintenance of the notebook will be part of the preparation grade.

• Homework will be assigned as necessary to help the students practice concepts and skills beyond the classroom.  It will sometimes be graded, but will always be checked for completion. Homework should be completed when due.  Late work puts students at a disadvantage in classroom activities, i.e. the student is not prepared.

·        Larger projects or papers may be assigned that will also require work outside of class.

Tests and Quizzes:  Each unit will be covered over a period of several weeks.  A test will be given after each unit and will be announced in advance. These may include oral components, or there may be separate oral exams. Quizzes will be given most weeks; some will be unannounced.  The final exam will be comprehensive.

Absences and Make-up policies:  If a student has an unexcused absence, they may not make-up the work that was missed or was not turned in.  ISS and OSS are considered unexcused absences. In the case of an excused absence, the student must turn in homework upon returning or when it is due, which ever is later. Tests or quizzes must be made up within three school days of returning.  School missed because of school-related activities will be handled as an excused absence.

Academic Honesty: It is assumed that all students do their own work at all times.  It is counterproductive to copy homework or to cheat on tests.  There is no substitute for honest, concerted effort. Students caught cheating on a test will fail that test.  If there are further instances, more serious consequences may be applied.  Those who share homework efforts will also share the grade.

Finally:  It is great fun and an eye-opening experience to learn another language and culture. I want you to learn Spanish and will do whatever I can to assist you in that goal.  I approach the class from the perspective that you are here to learn as much as you can and will do your part to accomplish that. The most important part of learning a second language is Practice, Practice, Practice!  ¡Buena suerte, y ahora, a hablar español!

Parents:  Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding your student, either by phone or email.  I anticipate success for each student as we all work together.

I have read and understand the contents of the attached syllabus, and plan to participate fully in my Spanish education.

I have read and discussed the syllabus with my student, and will be in contact with the instructor if I have any questions or concerns.

Instructor:  Carol Furrow                                       

Room: 202

Home Phone:  634-2410                                             

Planning period: 3rd hour (10:00 – 10:50 a.m.)

Email:  furrowcarol@bcchs.org

• Somos así ¡Ya!
• English-Spanish dictionary
• 3-ring Binder

Objectives: To focus on improvement of fluency in Spanish and to gain cultural competency.  This will be done by increasing vocabulary and by giving students the opportunity for creative language use in various situations and contexts.  We will address National Standards for foreign language:

• Students will communicate in Spanish through oral and written communication.
• Students will create comparisons of their culture and the Spanish language culture.
• Students will develop an understanding of the cultures where Spanish is spoken.
• Students will make connections by reinforcing their knowledge of other disciplines.
• Students will use Spanish in their communities.

     Semester grades are computed by weighting each quarter’s grade at 45% and the semester final exam at 10%. Grades for each quarter will consist of the following:

                        Participation– 25%

Preparation – 25%

                        Tests and Quizzes – 50%

                        A+ 99-100                              C+ 83-84                    F 69 & below

                        A   95-98                                C   78-82

A-    93-94                              C-  76-77

B+ 91-92                                    D+ 74-75

B   87-90                                    D   72-73

B-  85-86                                    D-  70-71

Attendance is critical to success in a foreign language class.  In addition to being there, students are expected to bring necessary materials and to arrive in class on time and ready to participate fully in class activities.  Participation includes attendance (¡claro!) and working effectively in class to master the objectives of the unit (¡en español!). Each student will be asked to participate in conversation and other oral activities (group or individual) during the semester.  Some activities are for practice; others will be evaluated.  This work is critical to success in acquisition of the foreign language and for full participation points. A participation rubric will be explained and referred to for scoring participation.

·        Each student will keep a notebook organized according to requirements that will be explained at the beginning of the semester.  These will be checked periodically. Maintenance of the notebook will be part of the preparation grade.

• Homework will be assigned as necessary to help the student practice concepts and skills beyond the classroom.  It will sometimes be graded, but will always be checked for completion. Homework should be completed when due.  Late work puts students at a disadvantage in classroom activities, i.e. the student is not prepared.
• Larger projects or papers may be assigned that will also require work outside of class.

Tests and Quizzes:  Each unit will be covered over a period of several weeks.  A test will be given after each unit and will be announced in advance. These may include oral components, or there may be separate oral exams. Quizzes will be given most weeks; some will be unannounced.  The final exam will be comprehensive.

Academic Honesty: It is assumed that all students do their own work at all times.  It is counterproductive to copy homework or to cheat on tests.  There is no substitute for honest, concerted effort.  This is an elective.  If you are not here because you want to improve in Spanish, please choose another class. Students caught cheating on a test will fail that test.  If there are further instances, more serious consequences may be applied.  Those who share homework efforts will also share the grade.

Absences and Make-up policies:  If a student has an unexcused absence, they may not make-up the work that was missed or was not turned in.  ISS and OSS are considered unexcused absences. In the case of an excused absence, the student must turn in homework upon returning or when it is due, whichever is later.  Tests or quizzes must be made up within three school days of returning, usually before or after school. Absences due to school-related activities will be considered excused.

Finally:  I want you to increase your vocabulary and become more fluent in Spanish and will do whatever I can to assist you in that goal.  I approach the class from the perspective that you are here to learn as much as you can and will do your part to accomplish that. The most important part of learning a second language is Practice, Practice, Practice!  ¡Buena suerte, y ahora, a hablar español!

Parents:  Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding your student, either by phone or email.  I anticipate success for each student as we work together.

I have read and understand the contents of the attached syllabus, and plan to participate fully in my Spanish education.

I have read and discussed the syllabus with my student, and will be in contact with the instructor if I have any questions or concerns.