• Course Content:

    The level 4 course is a language intensive college level course.  This course is also considered an Honors class and thus it is weighted as such.  As a college level course, all topics listed under Checkpoint C of the NYS Foreign Language Objectives will be covered in preparation for the AP exam after the completion of Spanish 5.  The AP Spanish Language exam is a very demanding exam.  Success in the AP requires an intensive two-year preparation.  The structures covered in level 3 will be quickly reviewed and new structures will be introduced and explained in detail.  Vocabulary will play an extremely important part throughout the entire course.  The course will center around themes included in the AP Program. We will also read stories and internet articles in Spanish to enhance our vocabulary and usage of the language in written form.

    Spanish will be used in class at all times during class and outside of class.  I fully expect that your participation will likewise be in Spanish. Always!! Don’t expect to be perfect.  It’s OK to make mistakes-just try to say what you need to say in Spanish.  Communication is our primary goal, not perfection.  I will not respond to your questions if you speak to me in English, so you are going to have to try to communicate in Spanish!  Have faith in yourself; you know more than you realize.  Take a moment to think about what you want to say, then say it in Spanish.  Your active participation in all class activities will help you to have a successful, and hopefully, enjoyable experience and it is very important in preparation for success on the final exam.

     

    Course requirements:

    1.    notebook - I strongly recommend a three ring binder.  There will be many handouts given throughout the year.  The binder will help keep you organized.

    2.    textbook – Conexiones Comunicación y Cultura.  This textbook will serve as the central part of the course.  It should be covered and brought to class every day. Ancillary materials such as videos, audio CD’s, and the internet will also be used.

    Grammar Workbook.—Amsco- Three years.

    3.    dictionary ­- A dictionary is a necessity at this level.  This year, we begin to define words in Spanish by using circumlocution and synonyms. Therefore you should purchase a good Spanish-Spanish dictionary. Vox is usually a good choice.  The assignments given for homework will, at times, require use of a dictionary. 

    Course grading:

    TESTS + QUIZZES + HOMEWORK + CLASS PARTICIPATION = QUARTER GRADE 

    Expected distribution of grades: (This can change depending on the work assigned)

    Tests and Projects- 25%
    Quizzes- 25%
    Homework- 25%
    Participation- 25%

    Oral grades are included as quiz grades unless they are part of a major test or project.

    All homework will be posted on my website.  Make sure that you visit the website daily.  If you do not have access to the internet at home, you may check the website at the beginning or at the end of class on the classroom’s computers. My website address is: www.wappingersschools.org/Beiner Make sure to “bookmark” it on your web browser. Each homework assignment counts toward the homework grade.  If you do 30 assignments out of 30, then you will receive a 100% for your homework grade.  If your assignment is not complete, you will not receive full credit.  In addition, homework less than half complete receives no credit. Some of the assignments will be graded assignments. As such, you are expected to complete each assignment to the best of your ability and seek help early, should you need it. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of doing the homework consistently and thoroughly.  All tests and quizzes reflect the work covered in class and reviewed at home.  If you understand the homework, you will experience success on the tests and quizzes. 

    Class participation is extremely important. I keep track of everything you do in class.  Going to the board and volunteering answers are two simple ways of receiving checks in this area.  These checks will count towards your grade.  If you don’t participate, you won’t be able to do the homework assignments, and you won’t be able to pass the tests and quizzes.

    Make-ups:

    *** I WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE HOMEWORK!!!

                It is your responsibility to see that you are current on all assignments, tests, etc., not the teacher’s. If you are absent, I expect you to find out the assignments due by asking a classmate, checking the website, or sending me an e-mail. Upon your return, I expect to see all the work due up to, and including, that date unless you have made prior arrangements with me.  You will have to take any test/quiz based on the work due on that day.  Being absent on the day prior to the test/quiz is NOT an excuse.  Makeup’s for exams are to be done upon your return from a legal absence. Any exceptions must be discussed with me.  NO MAKEUP = ZERO.  CUTTING CLASS = ZERO.

    In order to avoid problems, make use of my e-mail address at nancy.beiner@wcsdny.org.

     Failure to hand in a project on time will result in a zero (0).  I will not accept late projects.  You will have plenty of time to do any assigned projects and to do them right!

    Extra help:

                This will normally take place after school.  I will stay after school on any given day, as long as I have not made prior plans.  Students should inform me, during class or via e-mail, of their intention to come in for extra help.  If more extra help is needed, you should consider a private tutor.  Please seek help as soon as you don’t understand a concept.


    General Classroom Guidelines and Expectations     

    1.    Come to class prepared every day.  Bring text, notebook, pen or pencil, homework, etc. with you.

    2.    Be on time and ready to learn.  Take out your homework and begin any “Do now” assigned for that day. Many times, our “do now” will consist on coming into the class and having a conversation IN SPANISH! This will count towards your participation grade. Lateness will affect your grade and referrals will be issued according to school policy.

    3.    Take notes! When I write on the board, it is to clarify a point.  Make sure that you copy it clearly so that you may review from it later.

    4.    Participate!  In Spanish!  Use Spanish whenever possible.  It is the only way to practice and excel in the language.  Learn the common classroom expressions; they will help avoid the need for English.

    5.    Make the most of your time in class.  Go to the bathroom or drink water or any outside business before or after class.

    6.    Respect yourself, the teacher and your classmates.  Profanity will not be tolerated in any language.  Speak in a courteous manner.  Dress appropriately and remove any hats, hoods, bandanas that are not of a religious nature upon entering the classroom.  I find these disrespectful.

    7.  Cellular phones, e-readers, mp3 players, i-Pods or any other electronic device are ONLY allowed in class when I have specifically given you permission to use them for academic work.  Otherwise, I will take them away and write a referral to your administrator.

    8.    All work is to be completed INDEPENDENTLY and WITHOUT ASSISTANCE of any kind unless I have specifically given you permission.  Any work submitted deemed to be copied, done with the help of a translating device or software will be considered plagiarized and will receive a zero and reported to ALL Honor Societies and the school administration for consequences as stated in the Student’s Code of Conduct and/or honor societies bylaws.

    9.    There will be times where quizzes will be assigned as out of class work.  It is a privilege to be able to work and study at your own pace. Suspicion of assistance on quizzes may result in a zero and the loss of this privilege.  As always, cheating/use of assistance will follow the same consequences as in item 8.



     
Last Modified on July 29, 2016