Course Syllabus

Spanish 1 SYLLABUS Mr. Carrasquillo

Email carrasquillop@wellesleyps.org

Extra help You will need to make an appointment for extra help with me. However, extra help is always available in the Language Learning Lab (room 155 / check schedule).

Materials

✏ A 2” 3-ring binder with paper

✏ Spanish study packet

✏ Laptop computer / device

✏ A pen or pencil

Course description In this course, our goal will be to acquire Spanish language. “Acquiring” a language is very different than “learning” a language. Acquiring is something that happens to you instead of something that you make happen.

When you learned how to speak your first language, you acquired it naturally by listening to other people speak it around you for a long time; not by studying it. Therefore, almost all of our class time will be spent using Spanish - not using English to talk about Spanish. – As you focus on listening and reading, speaking and writing will come naturally.

This Spanish course is a “Comprehension Input” Spanish course and we will focus our class time on the acquisition of high frequency structures (the most frequently used words in a language); between three and six new target structures each cycle.

You will learn more than this, but you will only be assessed on the target structures. We will use these structures in class discussions, stories, and cultural explorations. You will be expected to recognize them when you read or hear them and in time, be able to produce them in speaking and writing.

Expectations

I expect you to speak in Spanish the minute that you enter the class.

I expect you “to park” your cell phone at the beginning of class.

I expect you to be respectful and responsible students.

I expect you to help other students meet the class standards.

I expect you to come to class prepared with the materials you need to do your work.

I expect you to pay attention and participate actively.

I expected you to ask questions when you don’t understand.

I expect you to complete all assignments and assessments on time.

You are considered tardy to class if you are not in your seat when the bell rings.

Absence Policy

I expect you to attend class every day. However, in the event of an excused absence, it is your responsibility to check the CANVAS site and contact your classmates to find out what you missed.

Any assessments that you missed due to an excused absence must be made up within 48 hours of your return to WHS.

Homework

You should always check the CANVAS site every time that you have class and practice the material that was covered in class.

Your class will spend almost an hour each time we meet acquiring language. When you are absent, you are not practicing or acquiring the material. You will have to spend a similar amount of time at home in order to make up the learning that you have missed.

You shoud check the CANVAS site every time that you have class.

Grading

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Performance Grade Categories

Your grade will be determined by how your performance (how you use the language) compares to the standard(s) expected for each category described below. More detailed expectations will be given for each performance assessment.

A         Advanced      

You are confident and go beyond the standard(s). 

B         Proficient      

You regularly meet the standard(s) without any help.

C         Developing   

You meet the standard(s) in basic & simple way.      

D         Emerging      

You can do some things, but still need help meeting the standard(s).

F         No attempt    

You have not done enough to be evaluated against the standard(s).

The target proficiency levels and the corresponding expectations for speaking, writing, reading, and listening will vary depending on the unit of study and the time of year.

Adapted from www.martinabex.com ● The Comprehensible Classroom