Spanish I Syllabus

Profesor Mena

E-Mail: jomena@dallasisd.org

School Year 2015-2016

Tel.972-925-1200 Ext. 51260

Text and materials:

Exprsate Spanish 1 by Holt,Rinehart and Winston
Exprsate Spanish 1 Work book
Spanish/English-English Spanish dictionary
1- binder
Lined paper and dividers for binder
Blue or black pens, pencils, eraser, highlighters
1 box of tissues
1 pack of dry erase markers
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language, grammar, and Hispanic cultures while
developing the skills in listening and reading comprehension, speaking and writing. The main
goal for this course is for students to progress toward a novice-high level ability in using
Spanish in school and in the community.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, the student will:

Engage in conversation in Spanish to express feelings and ideas and exchange opinions.
Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written Spanish on a variety of topics.
Present information and ideas to an audience through speaking and writing in Spanish.
Demonstrate understanding of social interaction patterns within Spanish culture(s) through
participation in cultural activities.
Apply knowledge of Spanish language and culture(s) to further knowledge of other
disciplines.
Analyze and use different patterns of communication and social interaction appropriate to
the setting.
Demonstrate knowledge of use of the Spanish language within and beyond the school setting.

Grade Breakdown

Class work. Participation and Homework 40%

Tests 25%
Projects/Oral Production 20%

Final Exam 15%

Homework
The timely completion of homework is crucial for learning a foreign language. Homework will
be given every night from the workbook, text book or supplementary materials. Homework will
be checked every day, and then reviewed in class as needed.

Class work and Participation

Class work includes all class notes, writing, listening,, speaking activities, white board, audio
and discussion activities completed during class. Your notebook must be organized since it is
your main source of review for quizzes and exams including the final. I will occasionally conduct
notebook checks.
Quizzes and Tests
There will be at least one quiz each week containing grammar, vocabulary and or culture aspects
covered in the lessons. At the end of every chapter there will be a test, this will be announced
and posted in advance.
Projects
Several written, oral, and visual projects will be assigned throughout the semester. These will be
announced in advance and instructions will be given on the requirements for each specific
project.

Late and Make-Up Policy

If an assignment is missing, teachers will record a missing grade in the gradebook for that assignment.
The teacher will enter a grade of zero only if the student submitted the assignment and received zero
points.
In the case of missed classwork due to absence, the student is responsible for requesting, within one class
period (usually two school days due to block scheduling), missed work or an alternate assignment from
the teacher. The student will be allowed the same amount of time to complete the assignment as students
who were present, or an amount of time appropriate to an alternate assignment
If the student would miss assignments due the day of a pre-planned absence, such as a performance or
college visit, the assignment is due no later than 4:20 p.m. the calendar day prior to the planned absence.
For anything assigned during the planned absence, the student is responsible for obtaining the
assignment and its details and is subject to the missed classwork policy above.
For late work not associated with an absence, or when the student misses a deadline for absence-related
make up work, the student is given one class period (two calendar days) to complete the work, but that

work will incur a 30 percent grade reduction. After that time, the assignment will remain coded as a
missing grade, which will count as a zero for the purposes of grade averaging.
In the case of missed tests or quizzes, the student must arrange for make-up with the teacher within one
class day (two calendar days) of the student's return to class. Failure to do so will incur the 30 percent
penalty for late work as articulated above.

Tutoring Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:15-5:15 pm I can accommodate other times as necessary.