THURGOOD MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL
COURSE INFORMATION GUIDE
COURSE: SPANISH WHEEL - INSTRUCTOR: MRS. SPAETH
GRADE LEVEL: 6
TELEPHONE: (858)549-5400 EXT 2223 e-mail: nspaeth@mail.sandi.net
TEXTBOOK:Discovering Languages - Spanish
Course Content: This is an exploratory course in Spanish for the beginning student.
The course begins the basics of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Students will
practice these skills through the four basic methods of learning a language:
listening, speaking reading and writing. During nine weeks we will cover basic
grammar and vocabulary. Cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries will
also be discussed.
Primary Course Objectives: Students will be able to: Memorize 60% of presented
vocabulary; pronounce with a proper accent with at least 60 % accuracy; construct
correct Spanish sentences and questions in proper order, with correct spelling
at least 60% of the time in order to receive a passing grade.
Course requirements/ Grading procedures: Attendance is required. Make-ups are
allowed only for excused absences. Make-ups for field trips must be discussed
with the instructor in advance.
GRADING SCALE
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
below 60 = F
HOMEWORK 30 %- All homework assignments are corrected in class. Homework must
be completely finished before class begins and corrected by the student in order
to receive full credit. Incomplete or uncorrected work will receive partial
credit. Late work will receive half credit and must be turned in within two
weeks of the due date to receive any credit for the first semester within one
week for the second semester. Exceptions are for absences or other emergencies,
by approval of instructor. No name papers are considered late.
QUIZZES 30% Tests and quizzes will be based on material learned in class and presented vocabulary. Students will be allowed to make up one failed quiz..
PROJECTS 30% We will do group and individual projects. Students will receive a group and individual grade on projects.
PARTICIPATION 9% - Spanish is a participation oriented course. Students are
encouraged to ask and answer questions and generate original speech in Spanish.
Positive participation will be rewarded. Examples of positive participation
are : Volunteering, reading aloud, reciting homework answers, etc. Negative
behavior will have a negative impact on your participation grade. examples of
negative participation are : Tardiness, gum chewing, off - task behavior, class
disruption, no homework, etc.
GRADE CHECKS 1% Every Monday grade checks will be sent home. They are to be
signed, by the parents and returned by Friday. They do not count much for the
academic grade, but do count toward citizenship grades. A student cannot receive
an E or G in citizenship unless at least 80 % of Grade Checks are returned.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS Discipline will have to be maintained for instruction to take place, so, in addition to the Marshall Discipline Code, the following rules will be stated for the student’s and the parent’s knowledge.
1) Students are considered tardy if they are not in their seats ready to work
when the tardy bell rings.
2) Students will be prepared to learn every day.
3) Students must have the following materials with them every day: paper, pencils,
pen, workbook and binder.
4) Students need to raise their hand in order to speak in class. The only exception
to this is during oral recitation drills.
5) Hats and sunglasses will remain off of the student’s body in the classroom.
6) Gum, food and drinks other than water are not allowed in class.
7) Students will be respectful to all members of the class.
8) Restroom passes will be issued, but not abused.
9) Cheating is strictly prohibited
10) Defacing or theft of school or teacher’s personal property is forbidden.
CONSEQUENCES
Rule 1-7
Four step plan of discipline 1) Warning (except for rules 1&6) 2) minus
mark in participation 3) 2nd minus and detention with teacher with a phone call
home 4) referral to counselor or VP. Rule 8 loss of restroom pass from this
class. Rule 9 - 0 on assignment or test and referral to VP. Rule 10 Immediate
referral to VP