West Prep

Spanish for Spanish Speakers I

Syllabus
2014-2015

I. Course Description

This one-year course is designed for students from a Spanish-speaking background to
facilitate a their acquisition of the target language at the intermediate-low level as
identified in the foreign language proficiency guidelines established by the American
Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The focus is communication in
the target language incorporating an understanding of the target cultures, connecting
with other disciplines, comparing native language to the target language, and
participating in multicultural communities. The course provides practice in correct use of
basic vocabulary and language structures to enable students to function effectively within
realistic settings. ACTFL recommends that at least 90% of the instructional time in class
be conducted in the target language. Instructional practices incorporate integration of
diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important
contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this
course. This course fulfills one of the elective credits required for high school graduation.

II. Course Objectives

1. To engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings
and emotions, and exchange opinions.
2. To understand and interpret written language on a variety of topics.
3. To understand and interpret spoken language on a variety of topics.
4. To present information, concepts, and ideas in the target language orally.
5. To present information, concepts, and ideas in the target language in writing.
6. To understand the relationship between the products and perspectives of the
culture(s) studied.
7. To understand the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the
culture(s) studied.
8. To reinforce and further students knowledge of other disciplines through the
target language.
9. To acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only
Mr. Urry
(702) 799-
3120
ext: 3812
burry@interact.ccsd.net
srurry.weebly.com
available through materials in the target language
10. To understand the nature of language through comparisons of the target
language with English and/or the students first language.
11. To understand cultural similarities and differences.
12. To use the target language in and outside of school.
13. To develop an interest in continuing the study of the target language for
personal enjoyment and enrichment.
III. Classroom Rules
1. Theres one rule in my class. RESPECT. Respect for teacher, others, school property,
and yourself. What does that mean?
- Respect for teacher: I put a lot of time and effort into each lesson to make it worth
your time. please show me respect by coming to class ready to learn and participate.
Listen when Im speaking and answer questions when I ask them.
- Respect for others: No swearing, name-calling or making fun of others. Were all
here to promote a positive learning environment and build one another up, not tear
each other down. Listen when others are answering questions, and be a good team
player when working in groups. And dont distract others from learning.
- Respect for school property: Because of the mess/stains it causes, no food or
drink (other than water) in class, unless for teacher approved class activities.
Desks/other class property stay in the class at all times and must not be damaged.
- Respect for self: Knowing Spanish is one of the most useful tools you can take
from your high school education. It opens doors in the world for employment and
other opportunities. Respect yourself and your future by actively participating and
doing the work yourself (no cheating) so that you can take this tool with you when
you graduate.
- The rule of respect goes both ways. I will do my best to show you the respect you
deserve as a young adult and student in my class. If you ever feel I disrespect you in
anyway, please approach me and let me know!


IV. Class Participation

Participation is an essential element of success in the Spanish classroom. You cant learn to
communicate in a foreign language unless you listen to it, speak it, and pay attention! Due
to the importance of participation in daily class, you are given a participation grade out of
100 points per semester. If you pay attention and actively participate, youll get the full 100
points. If youre not paying attention or participating then you may lose some of those
points.

V. Absence and Tardy Policy
Tardies: You are considered tardy if you are not in class when the bell rings. I understand
that you and a teacher/administrator may need to discuss something after a class, which
may cause you to be late to my class. If thats the case, have that teacher/administrator sign
a note stating thats the case and you wont be considered late. Otherwise, it will be
considered unexcused.
Absences: Students who are at least 30 minutes tardy will be considered absent. It is the
students responsibility to approach the teacher to learn what they missed when they were
absent. The student/guardian may look online on the Mr Urrys classroom website
(srurry.weebly.com) to see what assignments have been given and when tests/quizzes will
be approaching, as well as other important class announcements.
VI. Homework
1. Students will need to complete 30 min of language practice activities outside of school
each week. They will turn in a half sheet at the end of the week explaining what they did
and the vocabulary they practiced/learned. Appropriate language practice activities may
consist of listening to the radio, watching T.V., or watching a movie in Spanish, language
practice activities online, reading in Spanish, etc. Studying your vocab list from class will
not count!
2. Students will work on various written activities/projects in class that may need to be
completed at home and turned in the next day if not finished during class time.
VII. Class Materials
1. Notebook/Binder with lined paper (Notebooks will be graded at the end of each quarter.
Keep pages and activities dated and in order)
2. Pencil and/or pen
3. Other materials will be provided in class
4. If the use of a textbook is needed outside of school hours, the student must come
before/after school to use it. Textbooks will not be eligible for checkout.







VIII. Grading Policy
Tests/Quizzes: 50% (Tests/Quizzes may not be re-taken)
Proficiency Evaluations (Presentations, Projects, etc): 25%
Classroom Assignments/Homework: 15%
Participation: 10%
















A+: 97-100% B+: 87-89% C+: 77-79% D+: 67-69% F: 0-59%
A: 93-96% B: 83-86% C: 73-76% D: 63-66%
A-: 90-92% B-: 80-82% C-: 70-72% D-: 60-62%



I have read the Course Expectations and understand what is expected of my child.
Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________Date _________________________

I have read the Course Expectations and understand what is expected of me.
Student Signature __________________________________Date _________________________