What will you learn this quarter?


Because the emphasis of this course lies in very basic communication, students will focus on simple, everyday situations. Students will learn to

· pronounce the language well enough to be intelligible to native speakers
· ask and answer basic personal questions about themselves
· understand and produce simple questions and statements using familiar vocabulary
· present frequent, short oral presentations on a variety of news-related topics.

Students will learn through direct instruction, teacher directed activities, individual, pair and small group activities. A variety of teaching methods and learning techniques will be used to foster communication in the target language.

How is your grade calculated?

Podcast (Radio Commercial)	50% of nine weeks average
Digital Story
Blog Postings
Content Area Quizzes	50% of nine weeks average
Unit Tests (2)

Homework – I typically do not give homework, with the expectation that time at home will be spent reviewing the material covered in class and ample time on the class website, which is accessible from any public library.

Quizzes – Quizzes are usually announced and will cover small amounts of material. Students should expect frequent quizzes on material covered daily in class. They will be most often taken by computer.

Participation – Active participation is an absolute necessity in any foreign language class. Without the proper materials, it is not possible to participate fully. For this reason, students are expected to bring their notebooks or other needed materials to class daily.

Tests – Tests are always announced, usually one to two class periods before the test date. They cover more material than the shorter daily quizzes. Since study guides will be provided orally, students will always know exactly what to study for each test.

What is the grading scale?

A 93-100
B 85-92
C 77-84
D 70-76
F 69 and below

What do you need to do if you are absent?

If a student misses a test, quiz, class work, or homework, it is his/her responsibility to arrange to complete the make up work. It is the student’s responsibility to get missed notes and assignments. Work not completed within a reasonable time period will be assigned a grade of zero.


What are the rules for behavior in class?

Appropriate classroom behavior has a direct and positive effect on the atmosphere of the class and will help facilitate the process of learning. In addition to the rules set forth in the District Five and CrossRoads Middle School Discipline Handbook, an assertive discipline plan will be enforced to ensure that time on task is maximized. These guidelines include:

· Be on time: Each student is expected to be in the classroom and seated, with his or her binder out and ready when the tardy bell rings.

· Be prepared: Each student is expected to bring all requires materials to class. These include completed assignments, notebook, agenda, paper and pen or pencil.

· Be polite: Be considerate of others by keeping hands, feet, objects and comments to yourself. Remain quiet in your seat while others are talking unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Any behavior that negatively affects active participation (ex. sleeping, excessive talking, playing around during instruction, etc.) or interferes with instruction or the learning of other students will also result in disciplinary action. Rudeness, disrespect, and disruptive outbursts will not be tolerated.

What happens if you choose not to follow the rules?

· 1st offense – verbal/non-verbal warning

· 2nd offense – lunch or recess detention

· 3rd offense – After school detention and parent contact

· 4th offense – Saturday detention

· 5th offense – Administrative referral

Severe Clause – If behavior is extreme and/or is detrimental to the learning atmosphere or safety of other students, there will be immediate removal from class and/or referral to administrator.

What happens if you consistently follow the rules?

· Verbal and written praise and recognition

· Happy notes and phone calls to parents

· Special privileges