French I assessment is designed to measure students’ ability to communicate in French and demonstrate growth as beginning language learners.
Learning a language requires consistent practice, feedback, and participation. Students will have many opportunities throughout the course to develop their skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities.
Grades reflect students’ demonstrated learning, preparation, participation, and ability to apply French in meaningful contexts.
Grading System
French I uses a total points grading system.
Students’ grades are determined by:
Total points earned ÷ total possible points = course grade
Assignments vary in point value depending on their purpose, length, complexity, and the skills being assessed.
There are no weighted assignment categories. Semester grades are calculated according to the following schedule:
Quarter 1: 20%
Quarter 2: 20%
Midterm Assessment: 10%
Quarter 3: 20%
Quarter 4: 20%
Final Assessment: 10%
Types of Assessments
Formative assessments are practice activities that help students develop their French skills. These assignments provide opportunities to practice, receive feedback, and prepare for larger assessments.
Examples may include:
Vocabulary practice
Grammar-in-context activities
Reading activities
Listening activities
Speaking practice
Warm-up activities
Exit tickets and reflections
Cultural activities
Short writing activities
Class participation activities
Formative assignments are generally worth 3–5 points depending on the assignment.
Students are expected to complete formative work regularly because consistent practice is essential for language learning.
Summative Assessments
Summative assessments measure students’ ability to apply French skills and demonstrate proficiency.
Examples may include:
Speaking conversations
Presentational speaking activities
Writing assignments
Reading assessments
Listening assessments
Cultural projects
Presentations
Performance tasks
Unit assessments
Midterm and final assessments
Summative assessments are generally worth 20–60 points depending on the complexity of the task.
Communication Skills Assessed
Students are assessed in the three modes of communication:
Communication Mode
Examples
Interpretive
Understanding written, spoken, and visual French
Interpersonal
Conversations and exchanges with others
Presentational
Speaking and writing to communicate information
Grammar and vocabulary are assessed within meaningful communication whenever appropriate.
Late Work and Missing Assignments
Students are expected to complete assignments by the established deadline.
For late assignments:
Students should communicate with the teacher when an assignment cannot be completed on time.
Late formative assignments may be accepted within the designated timeframe with possible reduction in credit.
Late summative assignments may be accepted within three school days with a communicated reason and may receive a late penalty.
Missing assignments may initially be entered as missing and will be updated once completed.
Students returning from an absence are responsible for checking Google Classroom and communicating with the teacher about missed work.
After an extended absence, students should meet with the teacher to create a plan for completing missed assignments.
Quizzes, Tests, and Assessments
Students should prepare regularly for quizzes and assessments by reviewing:
Vocabulary
Class notes
Grammar concepts
Speaking practice
Reading and listening activities
Students are expected to use class time, practice activities, and available resources to prepare for assessments.
Reassessment and Extra Credit
French I provides students with frequent opportunities to practice, receive feedback, and demonstrate learning throughout the course.
Because assessments represent a student’s demonstration of learning after preparation and practice, retakes or reassessments of quizzes, tests, and major assessments are not offered.
The curriculum is designed to provide multiple opportunities for students to develop their skills and demonstrate progress. Therefore, extra credit assignments are not offered.
Academic Integrity and Responsible Use of Technology
Students are expected to submit work that reflects their own learning and understanding.
Students should:
Complete original work.
Properly acknowledge outside resources.
Follow teacher expectations regarding translation tools, artificial intelligence, and other digital resources.
Be prepared to explain their understanding of submitted work.
Using online tools or outside assistance in ways that replace a student’s own learning is not acceptable.
Instructional Materials
The instructional materials used in French I represent a broad range of knowledge, viewpoints, experiences, and cultural perspectives. Materials support curricular goals, encourage curiosity, and provide students opportunities to explore the diverse cultures of the Francophone world.
Students and families are encouraged to communicate with the teacher regarding questions or concerns about instructional materials. When appropriate, alternative materials or assignments may be discussed.
Successful French I Students
Successful students:
Practice consistently.
Participate actively.
Complete assignments responsibly.
Use French regularly.
Ask questions and seek help.
Learn from mistakes.
Accept feedback.
Continue improving.
Language learning is a process. Consistent effort, curiosity, and participation lead to growth and success.