GRADES

 I grade on a points system.  Your grade is based on a percentage of total points taken from homework assignments, exams, participation, skits and projects.

90% to 100%=A      80% to 89%=B      70% to 79%=C      60 to 69%=D      59% and below=F    

** If you slip to a 69% or below, you need to be coming in after class time for extra help! I take low grades personally, and I am always willing to help.

Grade reports – I send home grade reports every two weeks so you know where you stand in this class. Grade reports are to be signed by parents and are worth 10 points each.  (Hey, that little task is an easy A.)

How to get a good grade in Spanish I

In a nutshell:  You must be an active participant, be respectful of others and produce QUALITY work that is turned in on time.

 Specifically: I grade on a points system.  Your grade is based on a percentage of total points taken from participation, homework, computer assignments and projects.  Below are specifics on those items.

Listening/Participation Sheets:    I teach you vocabulary by using a method called Total Physical Response.  I speak in Spanish and you respond to words with your body (like Simon Says and Monkey See, Monkey Do)  To internalize these new Spanish words, you must devote your entire attention to the lesson and concentrate on what is happening in the class.  You must always be in the moment.  At the end of each day, you will fill out a participation sheet and answer honestly about how you focused.  The sheet is worth 50 points a week.  If I write down on your participation sheet that I redirected your attention during a lesson, you must deduct points accordingly.  You must also figure out the math and average on the sheet.  If you fail to complete these items or if they are incorrect, I deduct points from the participation sheet.  On the back of the sheet you will write a brief reflection of the day’s work.  If you fail to do this, an automatic 5 points are deducted from the score.  If you are absent, instead of a reflection, you must do something at home to improve or study your Spanish, and write down specifically how you accomplished this task.

Homework: You will be asked to review Spanish vocabulary, teach Spanish words or retell a story in Spanish to an adult (parent, teacher, lunch lady, custodian, coach, etc).  You must have a signature from that person to prove you did the assignment.  In addition, you will have short reading assignments that you will have to complete and on which you have to answer questions.

Short Story Writing: You will have to write original short stories in Spanish.  A writing rubric will always be given to you so that you may use it as a checklist and guide to produce quality work.

Speaking:  You will perform in brief skits and/or tell or retell stories in front of the class.  Again, you are provided with a speaking rubric to guide to excellence.

Grammar practice sheets: Complete all questions on grammar practice sheets and turn them in on time.  I will tell you how much each assignment is worth.

Citizenship grade:  Because we take many risks in class (acting out and speaking in front of peers), you receive a citizenship grade worth 100 points.  If you are on time to class, supportive of classmates and respect others, you will earn the full 100 points.   It is a fact that we learn better if the environment is friendly and positive.  Please be positive.  Tardiness and talking while other people are performing is rude and takes away from the learning moment. 

Notebook: You must keep an organized notebook that features all your work done in this class.  A notebook rubric is provided to you and an example is always sitting on the table. ALL papers must be dated and the most recent work goes on top!  I collect the notebook twice a quarter to grade for accuracy, neatness and organization.

Exams and quizzes: No surprises on tests.  We cover material and vocabulary extensively before test and quiz dates! Reviewing from your notebook daily will guarantee that you know the material.