Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- How are grades figured?
- How are tests graded?
- What is the Participation category?
- Why have the daily quizzes?
- How do I organize my notebook?
How are grades figured?
Grading procedures for Spanish 1 and 2 Classes (SY 2010-11):
Semester Grades:
40%--1st Qtr. Average; 40%--2nd Qtr. Average; 20%--Final Exam Grade
Quarter Grades:
40%--Test Average
30%--Participation
20%--Quizzes
10%--Notebook
How are tests graded?
Criteria and rubric for tests will be presented and explained in the
classroom.
What is the Participation category?
30%--Participation--Explanation: Each student starts with 100% grade
in
this category. This can be considered as $100.00 in imaginary money.
Infractions will cost the student $5.00 (5 points) each and he/she
will be
made aware of the charge by the teacher saying "Pagame (Pay me.)"
or "Te cuesta cinco dolares." (That costs you $5.00.) in Spanish. The
student will write a "check", simply his/her name and the date on a
piece of paper with the amount charged, and give it to the teacher by
the end of the period. If the student does not pay on time, the
teacher will take care of marking it down in the grade book, charging
an additional $2.00 (2 points) penalty. The student can be charged
for more than one infraction in a day.
Infractions charged will be such acts that are distractions
to teaching or learning and inappropriate in the classroom as
explained by the teacher in class (talking or responding in English
inappropriately, sleeping, refusing to participate, doing other
classes' work during Spanish lesson, not bringing materials to class
as directed, i.e. actions showing lack of attention and/or
cooperation).
Participation points (dollars) may be made up (earned back)
by offering the following in order: (1) Gift, such as an apology ("Lo
siento mucho," spoken in Spanish), or handshake. (Worth 5 points,
MAXIMUM OF 1.) (2) Greeting Card, can be handmade (notebook paper),
with positive phrase in Spanish, such as "!Me gusta espanol!," "!El
espanol es divertisimo!," "!Me gusta esta clase!," "Feliz Navidad (dia
de San Patricio, etc....)," etc.....A MAXIMUM of 2 cards can be turned
in, worth 5 points each. (3) AFTER Greeting Cards, Spanish essays (50
words) can be written and turned in, worth up to 10 points each.
Essays must be in Spanish (to the BEST of the student's ability) and
must speak positively about (a) good behavior in class, and/or (b)
making good grades in school. These projects are NOT to be done
during instructional time in class and are to be submitted during
the NEXT DAY'S class period.
Why have the daily quizzes?
Several reasons:
1. They are over homework and previous lessons, so they are a good
reward to those whose do their homework and pay close attention in
class.
2. The time at the beginning of class spent on the Spanish quiz gives
the students a great opportunity to begin to think in Spanish, the
target language, for the next 50 minutes.
3. The use of their books, pens and paper rewards to those who bring
their materials to class.
4. This is a good time to check attendance and report to the office.
5. Since a quiz begins each class, it provides a good incentive to
come to class on time and prepare for class in the time between
classes.
6. The students receive instant feedback on progress each day.
How do I organize my notebook?
A 3-ring binder or bradded folder (provided); no spirals; inside
pockets ARE NOT to be used to contain graded work. The assignments to
be included in the notebook will be listed on a poster on the wall
bulletin board in the classroom for the students to check.
Organization (3 sections):Section 1--Vocabulary (graded); Section 2--
Assigned Classwork/Homework (graded); Section 3--Class Notes/ Practice
work (not graded)