Department policies

I.        Class Policies

a.      Students are expected to :

I. Respect one another, the teacher, the classroom property and their own materials.

II. Be in class on time (see student handbook for attendance) 

III. Be seated when the bell rings, ready to work with the text, workbook, assignment, and other materials ready. 

IV. Complete written assignments on time as follows:

1.      Each exercise is clearly labeled, including page number.

2.      Neat, legible, complete and show careful effort.

3.      Done in accordance with teacher and/or text instruction.

4.      Corrections made in class.

5.      Submitted on time by the due time; late work is not accepted except by prior arrangement with the teacher.

6. Use of Google translator, slader.com or any other site that provides answers to tests or homework will be considered academic dishonesty. 

b.      In the event of an absence students are responsible for:                                                       I. Finding out what assignments were missed

II. Arranging to make up tests, quizzes and projects according to the teacher’s requirements.

                                                          iii.      Students who know in advance that they are going to miss class for any reason including sports, field trips, doctor’s appointments, etc. are expected to get assignments in advance from their teacher. These assignments are due upon returning to class. Upon return to class, students are also expected to be prepared for any previously announced test or quizzes, NO EXCUSES. 

                                                           iv.      Students who have been absent due to unexpected illness must arrange a due date for assignments missed upon their return to class.

II.      Class expectations

a.      Review Nightly. Some effective methods are:

                                                              i.      Use flashcards for vocabulary. Study vocabulary from current and past chapters.

                                                            ii.      Oral practice (reading selections, dialogues, phschool.com)

                                                          iii.      Review corrected written assignments including workbooks, notes, quizzes, test corrections/ojo sheets.

                                                           iv.      Listen to Spanish radio, TV, etc.

                                                             v.      For additional Study tips see the Online Activities in your textbook.

b.      Seek help when needed. Make use of study sessions to work with the teacher or other students.

c.       Materials

                                                              i.      Students are issued two workbooks in Spanish I, II y III at no cost. Students will be charged for replacement of lost workbooks.

                                                            ii.      Texts must be covered at all times.

d.      Grading

                                                              i.      Grading is based on points accumulated. The points are converted to a percentage to determine quarter and semester grades. The percentage is NOT rounded up.

                                                            ii.      The grade scale is:

A= 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89.99%

C = 70 – 79.99%

D = 60 – 69.99%

F = 0 – 59.99%

                                                          iii.      Each quarter grade will reflect progress and achievements as measured by:

1.      Quizzes and tests

2.      Individual and group oral work

3.      Written assignments from homework and classwork.

4.      Class participation.

5.      Projects.

                                                           iv.      The semester grade is based on total points from both quarters plus the Semester Exam. Students and parents may access grades and attendance online through ABI (homelink). 

                                                             v.      Students who copy or allow others to copy a test, quiz or other written assignment will receive zero points according to Northgate’s Academic Honesty Policy. All teachers strictly enforce the Northgate’s Academic Honesty Policy (see student’s handbook).

III.    General Course Content for Spanish

Communication based instruction and texts are used in Spanish I, II and III to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Culture and customs of the Spanish speaking world as well as current events are also important components of all levels. Each level builds and extends skills learning in the preceding levels.

a.      Spanish I, II and III: Build vocabulary, grammar and oral skills. Students begin to practice guided writing and may read authentic literature (Realidades Series)

b.      Spanish IV, Honors and VAP: Parallel the skill development of a third level college Spanish course in advanced composition and conversation. The course therefore focuses primarily on the mastering of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students may also begin to analyze literary works. For A’s, B’s and C’s earned in AP Honors Classes, students earn an extra grade point  (ie: an A is 5 grade points, a B is 4 grade points and a C is 3 grade points. D’s do not receive an extra grade point).

 For more specific information on each level of Spanish, consult your textbook’s table of contents. Please keep this document for future reference. Feel free to contact us should you have any concerns or questions.

İGracias!

Francisco  Tubío

tubiof@mdusd.org