Spanish 1 Syllabus
Mrs. D. Kresak,
Instructor E-mail:
Deb.Kresak@k12.sd.us
Mrs. Waysman, Instructor E-mail: Bethany.Waysman@k12.sd.us
BVHS phone: 582-3211
Course Description
Spanish 1 devotes a major portion of each class period to learning vocabulary through TPRS. Vocabulary guide words, their accompanying mini-stories, songs and follow-up activities come from a variety of sources including the Prentice Hall text Realidades and supplementary materials of Blaine Ray and Carol Gaab. Students also study the geography and culture of many Spanish-speaking countries.
Course Objectives
Students require a great amount of vocabulary so that they may build the communication skills necessary when traveling in Spanish-speaking areas. They also study the geography and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries to gain a better understanding of the people who use Spanish as their primary language.
Materials
Each student is required to obtain the following items:
These materials will enable the students to create and organize their own dictionary pages, homework, cultural notes, etc. Students must bring the binder to class every day. Additional materials such as stories, readers, and reference handouts will be provided.
Grades
Grades are averaged as follows:
60% quizzes and tests
40% homework/ assignments
Students may earn full credit for assignments turned in on time. They may earn up to 50% credit for late papers as per the teacher’s discretion. Students who work on make-up work or late assignments in class receive no credit for that assignment.
Quizzes and tests are NOT announced ahead of time. Research in learning a foreign language strongly supports the view that no one acquires a second language by cramming at the last minute just because of a test. Instead, we ask that you devote a MINIMUM OF FIFTEEN MINUTES PER DAY reviewing what was presented in class that day in addition to what has previously been presented. Naturally, more time may be necessary to complete specific assignments, but the ten-minute review each day is essential. Also, a portion of your grade is participation. Full participation, as directed, is required to achieve success in the class. You should plan your studying with the idea that there will be a quiz or test at any time.
Participating in activities and discussions in Spanish class is very important for the student to be successful and learn the new language. Students will earn a grade for participating in this class. These points will be earned by voluntarily answering questions, acting in stories, and speaking the Spanish language etc.
Grading Scale
A- 94.50-100 B 82.50-85.49 D+ 70.50-73.49
A- 91.50-94.49 C+ 79.50-82.49 D 67.50-70.49
B+ 88.50-91.49 C 76.50-79.49 D- 64.50- 67.49
B 85.50-88.49 C- 73.50-76.49 F 64.49 and below
The first semester test covers the first semester’s units of study, and is worth 20% of the semester grade. Each quarter is worth 40%; this is school policy. The second semester test will comprehensively cover anything that has been taught this school year, since a language is unable to be broken down into earlier and later learned components. It will also be worth 20% of the semester grade.
Students are required to check the absent student folder whenever they are absent for any reason. The folder will contain all pertinent information from the missed day. It is the students’ responsibility to check the folder for their assignments and get the work completed according to school policy, as expressed in the student handbook.
Classroom Rules:
Rules from the school handbook apply in addition to the rules posted in the classroom by individual teachers.