-
E-Mail: debra.morris@yourcharlotteschools.net Phone: 575-5453 ext. 7026
Text: Avancemos III Room A309
Course Description
Spanish III builds on the fundamental skills acquired in Spanish I and Spanish II. The class will focus on continual growth of grammar skills, the development of vocabulary, additional verb tenses and usage, and practical application of the language. Students will expand their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar so that they will be able to communicate in Spanish about situations and events in the present, past, present perfect, present subjunctive and projection of future. Communicating in the target language (both orally and in writing) and continuing developing the Spanish ear will be worked on throughout the year. Reading in the target language will play a more important role in vocabulary development as well as grammar reinforcement. Cultural similarities and differences will be discussed so as to develop and promote a cross-cultural understanding and respect.
Course Prerequisites
Successful completion and credit earned for Spanish I and Spanish II are required to take Spanish III.
Course Objectives
My goal is for Spanish III students to reinforce skills learned in previous levels, to develop vocabulary and to continue to develop their confidence in reading, writing and expressing themselves orally in the target language and also to further develop what I call the “Spanish ear” (comprehension of what they hear in the target language).
Course Outline
- The topics emphasized will include interests – movies, camping, sports, art, music, general health and diet.
- Spanish I and II skills will be reviewed and drilled as needed
- Grammar concepts will be taken to the next level – the application of direct and indirect object pronouns, preterite vs. imperfect tenses, the present subjunctive, commands
- Discussions on Spanish culture, artists and history will also be addressed.
- The novel Mi Propio Auto will be read and discussed in class.
Attendance
Attendance in class is necessary for many students to excel. The more actively a student is involved in class, the more practice they will have to comprehend the material and the more opportunity they will have to apply what they have learned in class, should earn them a stronger grade. I would like to encourage students to attend class regularly. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to obtain and complete make-up work in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. Refer to attendance and unexcused absences in the Code of Student Conduct for grading policy about make up work and unexcused absences.
Behavior
Students are expected to be attentive and respectful to self, others and teacher during class. School policies regarding behavior and discipline will be implemented. The following is a list of A309 classroom rules:
- Students are to enter class in an appropriate fashion and be seated when the bell rings.
- Students are to have their supplies daily.
- Cell phones are not permitted in class without prior approval from teacher.
- No food or drinks (except water bottles) is allowed in class.
Grades
Grades are based on a total point system. Each assignment is designate a point value prior to being assigned and every project has a rubric which is discussed at the time it is assigned. Categories are not weighted. Grades are calculated from homework assignments, classwork, quizzes, tests and projects. The computer simply adds up the total points the student has earned for the assignments turned in and divides that score by the total possible points the student could have earned to calculate the student’s grade.
Homework is an effort grade. Did the student complete the assignment as per directions? Did the student turn the homework in on time? Homework will be collected at the beginning of each class. If a student cannot produce the assignment at that time, it will be counted as a zero. Students attempting to complete their homework assignment at the beginning of class on the day it is due will receive and incomplete grade which equates to a zero. Homework will not be accepted later in the period on the day it is due. Did the student complete the entire homework assignment? If there are 10 questions the student must complete all 10 questions to recieve credit for completion. Partially completed homework will result in an incomplete, which equates to a zero. I will gladly collect any assignment from a student for corrections however, if it is submitted late it will not receive credit. Homework literally should take no more than 10 minutes providing that the student has an organized and an up to date notebook. The CCPS Code of Student Conduct addresses student absences and make-up work policies.
All tests are given prior notice so that the student will have an opportunity to plan and study for the information that will be contained on the test. Most quizzes are also given prior notice, however, I do reserve the right to give pop quizzes.
Projects are generally a writing assignment or a writing assignment/presentation. The purpose of these projects are to reinforce and apply vocabulary and grammar learned. In today’s technological society students are quite savvy with Google translate. This is not acceptable. Therefore, in the event that there is a verb tense, a vocabulary word or grammar structure that has not been covered in class, is not contained in the student notebook or textbook in chapters covered or has not been covered in previous years the student is not allowed to use it. The student will be given a zero, however, the student will be able to come in after school to rewrite their assignment and turn it in for a grade. However, there will be a 15% deduction in overall grade. I have always told students if in doubt just ask. If a student feels strongly about something that they wish to convey in their writing assignment but has not learned that word to date, teacher approval is sometimes granted. Cheerleading is probably the number one word that the girls ask about.
Extra Credit assignments are not offered to compensate for low grades. However, extra credit points can be earned throughout the marking period. I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunity as it arises.
Passes
Students will be allowed to use the restroom during class however at a price. They will be required to give up their cell phone for the duration of class. Due to the fact that there will be no passes the first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes of class students will not be able to drop their belongings off in the room and ask to go to the bathroom before the bell. If they choose to do this and do not make it back to their seats before the bell rings they will be marked tardy.
Any other passes to media, another classroom, office, etc. will be teacher discretion.
CELL PHONE POLICY- ALL CELL PHONES WILL NEED TO BE IN STUDENTS' BACKPACKS AND BACKPACKS WILL BE PUT IN DESIGNATED AREAS IN THE ROOM AT THE START OF EACH CLASS. IF CELL PHONES DO NOT MAKE IT INTO THE BACKPACKS AND STUDENT IS FOUND WITH THE POSSESSION OF A PHONE DURING CLASS THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL BE FOLLOWED:
FIRST OFFENSE - A VERBAL WARNING WILL BE GIVEN TO THE STUDENT AND THE STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PUT THE CELL PHONE IN HIS BACKPACK FOR THE REST OF THE PERIOD. THE TEACHER WILL ALSO RECORD THE INCIDENT ON THE BEHAVIORAL TRACKING SHEET.
SECOND OFFENSE - THE PHONE WILL BE CONFISCATED FOR THE REST OF THE CLASS PERIOD AND THE TEACHER WILL CALL HOME. THE TEACHER WILL ALSO RECORD THE INCIDENT ON THE BEHAVIORAL TRACKING SHEET.
THIRD OFFENSE - THE PHONE WILL BE CONFISCATED AND TURNED INTO THE DEAN'S OFFICE FOR STUDENT TO PICK UP AFTER SCHOOL. THE STUDENT WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT A REFLECTION FORM REGARDING THE PHONE INCIDENT. THE TEACHER WILL ALSO RECORD THE INCIDENT ON THE BEHAVIORAL TRACKING SHEET.