Rules, Expectations, procedures and Grading Policies

2017-2018

Teacher: Mrs. Carla McKinney Email: cmckinney@g.oconee.k12.sc.us

Extra-Help Times: Tuesdays during fifth block

Philosophy of Education of the Foreign Language Department

We believe that Foreign Language Classrooms should teach students how to communicate in that language, and also how to survive in the growing, and very diverse communities in which we live. Students should learn about cultures of the global community, and teachers should promote diversity and acceptance among all ethnic groups. We believe that this learning opportunity should be available to all students, and that all students can learn a new language. Students participate in real-life situations in the target language, making their classroom experiences relative and meaningful. We apply the principles of a diverse approach to the classroom activities and assessments, including culminating projects of Integrated Performance Assessments which reflect interpretive, interpersonal and presentational activities.

Course Objectives based on course level

The main objective for this class is to learn Spanish for life-something one can use in the real world.

The classes will be held mostly in Spanish for effective listening and practice of the way words are pronounced in Spanish.

The students will learn functional vocabulary that is used in situational conversations.

The students will use their oral skills.

The students will learn to read and write in Spanish-their target language.

Important Learning Strategies:

-Participate during class.

-Use www.classzone.com (book activities) - www.quizlet.com (build up vocabulary) regularly.

-Practice vocabulary and grammar rules daily.

-Individual. Learning-HW; rely on book, notes, etc.

-Review regularly and study daily for quizzes.

-Attend fifth block for tutoring.

Required Textbook and Materials:

Textbook—Avancemos 2, McDougal Littell Inc. 2008 (Cost $94.73) Damaged books will be assessed according to the school inventory policy.

3-ring binder (probably at least 1 1/2” in size), paper, pencils/pens, and erasers.

Classroom Rules:

Students receive a Student Handbook at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to abide by all the school rules in class.

Use class time wisely. Time is precious!
Do your work well, be responsible and apply your student ethics.
Treat other people with respect; be polite (use your manners), be quiet during announcements, keep your hands/feet to yourself, listen when others are talking, follow directions, etc. Remain seated
Use of cell phones: Cell phones will be completely off to avoid interruption of any kind during instructional time (Please refer to the school hand manual pg. 26-28).
Follow school rules and avoid consequences.
Be prepared; pay attention, bring school materials to class, do your homework, study for quizzes, tests and exams, etc.
Food is not allowed in the classroom, unless there is a medical condition.

Consequences:

Warning
Detention
Office referral and/or parent conference

Classroom Procedures:

Start of Class: When arriving to class students will sit in their assigned seats, take out homework; check the board for bell work.
Pledging allegiance to the flag: First block will stand up and do the pledge to the flag and minute of silence when it is announced. Then students will sit back down silently. (show respect)
Taking attendance: Roll will be called while students are working quietly in their seats doing the bell work (within the first ten minutes).
Being tardy to class: The student will bring in a tardy pass. The student will walk into class quietly without distracting others or disrupting class.
Formatting written work: All the written assignments will include a basic heading starting with: 1. date student’s name 3. name of assignment 4. Follow instructions
Finishing work early: if the student finishes work early, the student will continue to work on Spanish related vocabulary drills, word meanings, verb conjugations, and parts of the speech.
Listening to intercom announcements: The students will remain quiet in their seats and listen carefully to the announcements of the day.
Asking questions: Respect when somebody else is talking. Wait your turn, please.
Bathroom/Office/Nurse: Students are given 3 hall passes per 9 weeks that may also be used to get a drink of water, go to the office, nurse, their locker, etc. Mrs. McKinney will give out bathroom passes at the beginning of each semester. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with their pass for the entire year.
Absences: All work missed due to absence is the student’s responsibility. Students must check canvas, email a classmate or teacher.
End of class: The bell does not dismiss the students but the teacher, so pay attention to instructions.
Substitutes: I consider substitute teachers to be guests in our room. As with any guest, I expect a student’s best behavior when they are in the school grounds.
Assignments: They should be neat and on time. The student who does not turn in an assignment will be assigned mandatory fifth block to make it up. (3:50-4:50)

World Language Department Grading Policy:

Major and Minor Assessments: Expect a test and/or quiz every week. I will always announce when I will give a test, but quizzes may not be announced every time. (Hint: Study regularly!) Some projects/assignments will count as test grades or quiz grades.

Major: (3-5 major assessments each nine weeks to equal 60% of student’s average)

Ex: Tests, Major Projects, Essays, Presentations

Minor: (number of minor grades varies each nine weeks to equal 40% of student’s average)

30% Quizzes, Card Grade (questions from homework, class work, bell work, readings, vocabulary, etc.)

10% Daily Grades: Homework, Classwork, and Daily Oral Dialog

**Mini/minor projects could count as either quiz or homework grades

Extra Credit:

Extra credit is available by earning diamonds. Diamonds will be traded by points on a test or quiz. (3 points)

Retests:

Tests (not quizzes, etc.) may be retaken, however the re-test grade will replace the original grade. Students must meet with teacher for extra help before retesting. Retests must be completed within 5 class days of receiving the graded work.

Missing work:

Students who miss a test or quiz must make up the assessment during 5th block within 5 school days except in the case of extended absences.

Students WILL complete all assigned work.

Attendance:

I feel that attending every class is very important for the learning of the Spanish language. I expect you to attend all classes. If you are absent, you are responsible for the information you missed. You should make every effort to come to class following an absence prepared (get notes from canvas, from a friend, e-mail Mrs. McKinney, etc.). It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed. (Seven absences will result in Zero credit)

Plagiarism/Cheating:

Academic Integrity Policy: Violation of the Academic Integrity Policy includes such actions as plagiarism, copying other’s work, and cheating on projects, tests or quizzes. This includes using illegal aids on tests/assignments such as cheat sheets, looking on another’s paper, copying another’s work or letting one copy your work, using information from the internet without proper citations, intentionally paraphrasing or using direct quotations without proper citations, and using online translators, native speakers or advanced level students.

Final Thoughts:

I want all my students to be successful in this class. If you are struggling please come see me. I am available for additional help- just let me know when you can come!