I believe that we, parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and students, have to work together to make learning a positive experience for all.

Academic

Academic Responsibilities

The students will be graded on written tests, oral work, homework, projects, presentations, preparation and proper participation in classroom activities.  Students must bring to class: all materials in a binder, completed assignments, assignment book, Binder, textbook, and writing utensils.

Students will not be allowed to leave the room for forgotten items without a hall pass.  Homework or projects have to be completed before the dude date and time.  In case of an absence, the student is responsible for getting the assignment prepared for the next class, using the Google Site or Google Classroom. 

It is necessary that students assign time outside the classroom to practice and study. They are responsible to come prepared, to give their full attention, to listen closely to pronunciation, and to repeat when it is required.  Participation in the classroom activities is part of the grade as well as preparation, tests, and homework

Grading Policy

The final grade for each quarter will be determined by categories as follows:

· 80% - Assessments (tests and quizzes) and Special Assignments (essays, presentations, interviews, projects, etc.)

· 20% - Homework and Classwork (for completeness and/or accuracy) and Class Engagement  (see rubric below)

· 00% - Formative Assessment (grade use to show student growth or understanding, do not affect the student’s grade)

Class Engagement: Involvement and participation is a vital part of learning any language.

· Students will receive an individual grade of (10 pts.) that reflects a student’s maximum involvement and use of the language and concepts in the classroom setting.

· Students (and parents) who have questions or concerns about their Class Engagement grade or would like to know ways to improve it are always encouraged to contact the teacher for specific feedback.

EXCELLENT                                                                                                9        10

· Consistently participates and engages in classroom conversation and activities.

· Consistent use of target language in appropriate settings.

GOOD                                                                                                        7        8

· Often participates and engages in classroom conversation and activities.

· Moderate use of target language in appropriate settings.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT _                                                                             5        6

· Sometimes participates and engages in classroom conversation and activities.

· Inconsistent use of target language in appropriate settings.

POOR                                                                                                         3        4

· Rarely participates and engages in classroom conversation and activities.

· Sporadic use of target language in appropriate settings.

VERY POOR                                                                                      0        1        2

· Never participates nor engages in classroom conversation and activities.

· Does not use target language in appropriate settings.

The student’s grades are a reflection of their ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish. 80% of the grade will be determined through various assessments. The other 20% of the grade is based on homework and class engagement.  There is no extra credit! The grading scale is a district policy and is located in the student planner. Individual student’s grades may be discussed before or after school or by appointment but not during class time.

Homework and assignments are always in the Google Site and must be neat, complete, and ready at the beginning of the hour for full credit. Credit /no-credit assignments are not accepted as late assignments because we go over them together in class. Other assessments will be worth 90% of their value if turned in later the same day or the next day. After that, assignments are only worth 50% of their value.

Assignments that are missing because they are incomplete, forgotten, or lost will result in a Z in the gradebook. Z denotes missing work, while the numeral 0 denotes work that was turned in and the student earned zero points. Excused assignments will be marked with an X in the gradebook, these assignments do not affect a student’s grade.

Absent and Make-up Work

If a student is absent from class for a school-related activity or pre-arranged absence, assignments are still due on the due date. According to district policy, if a student’s absence (not school-related or pre-arranged) occurs on a date on which a graded assessment has been previously assigned, the student’s work is due on the first day of his or her return to class.

If students are absent due to an illness or other excused issue, they should make arrangements for make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes as soon as possible. Students will need to schedule time during seminar or before/after school for quizzes and tests. Quizzes and tests must be completed within one week of your return to class. It is a student’s responsibility to get the makeup work. I reserve the right to substitute a different form of test, quiz, or assignment for make-up. Students will not receive credit for assessments missed due to unexcused absences.

If there is issue with a due date, please talk to me about it. I will always try to work out a compromise if possible. If this is the case, students need to let me know as soon as possible. The day the assignment is due is not a good time to ask for an extension.

Students can avoid putting themselves in precarious positions with their grades by turning everything in on time!

Conduct

The students will demonstrate common courtesy and respect for each other and the teacher in the room.  . Students will be in class on time.  Cell phones/electronic devices must be turned OFF before the bell rings. Students may use their phones at the request of the teacher ONLY. They will respect the teaching process and the right of other students to learn.

Academic honesty

This is, also, an issue of respect. When students are honest in their work, it shows that they respect their teacher and the time the teacher puts into planning assignments and grading students’ work. Cheating is, also, an implication that one doesn't respect the work of his or her peers. Students should take pride in their work and work hard. Then, they can take pride in their accomplishments as well. Be honest!

*** Students caught cheating in an IB class maybe forfeit the right to take the IB exam for that class.