Spanish A/B Syllabus
2014-2015
Susan Bernard, M.Ed., instructor
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a year-long course that is essentially equivalent to Spanish I. This course introduces students to the
basic vocabulary of the language and components of the culture of the countries in which the language is
spoken. The text we will be using is Realidades A and B from Pearson-Prentice Hall.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of Spanish A/B is to have student feel comfortable writing, reading, speaking and listening to
basic Spanish. Students should be able to make greetings both formally and informally, ask and answer basic
personal questions (age, likes, dislikes, etc.), describing people, weather, seasons, holidays, family and
relations, food & beverages, activities and things in the home.
Spanish A/B is one of the few courses at the Junior High level where a student may receive High School Credit
if they pass the course and take the Stamp4S test at the end of the school year. The Stamp4S test a
comprehensive, 3rd party, online assessment that covers reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target
language, Spanish, and is at no cost to the student. The testing dates for this are April 30th – May 6th, 2015. It is
imperative that you are here during testing for HS credit.
COURSE MATERIALS
The only 2 things I ask of students are to have a large spiral notebook dedicated just for Spanish class and a
writing utensil every day. Students who have access to the internet will benefit from having the updated
calendar with upcoming assignments, quizzes, tests and homework.
GRADING POLICY
The grading policy per Mesa Public Schools states that a minimum of 90% of a student’s grades will be
comprised of assessments such as quizzes, chapter tests, oral presentations, writing assignments and tests on
brief reading comprehension. Only 10% of the grade will come from homework or class participation. Late
homework is NOT accepted in the second semester!
Students will be allowed to re-take any assessment ONCE as long as it is within 2 weeks and they request it in
advance. Generally, there are weekly quizzes and monthly tests. Quizzes count for more than tests because
students are expected to keep up on in-class assignments and participation. Any request to retake an assessment
requires the student to receive an intervention before it can be re-taken. This can be homework, an in-class
assignment and/or tutoring before or after school.
My Grading Scale is as follows:
A= 90%-100%
D= 69%- 60%
B = 80%- 89%
F= below 60%
C = 70%- 79%
Grades are averaged for the semester from both of the previous quarters. There is no extra credit available so
again, it is essential that students show up for class and participate fully.
CLASSROOM RULES
There are 4 basic classroom rules that all students must follow.

Be respectful of other students, teachers, administration, and school and personal property. Classroom behavior
should be that of young adults. No one has the right to interfere with another person's right to learn. If you choose
to be disruptive or disrespectful, you will be given a logical consequence. Part of respect is honesty in all your work.
It is expected that students hand in only original work that they have completed and earned.

Be responsible. If you are absent, you, the student, needs to approach the instructor to make up tests or quizzes.
This is NOT to be done during class, but either before or after or on lunch. You may also come after school or
email me. You should get notes you missed from your classmates or the website. This is your grade, please take
responsibility for it.

Be prepared. Bring a writing utensil, paper, spiral bound notebook (just for Spanish) and any in-class work that you
may need. If you need water, please bring it. Water breaks are also your responsibility between classes. Please be
in your seat, quiet and listening for directions when class begins.

Participate fully - if you need help, do not hesitate to seek it from me. This part includes seeking opportunities
outside of class to use and access Spanish (books, magazines, newspapers, newscasts on TV, etc.) as much as
possible. This is a language class and as such, demands the participation of all involved.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Students are expected to follow the classroom rules and not interfere with the learning of others. The classroom
is a place of learning. All students have the right to learn without interruption. Students who choose to disrupt
the learning process will be subject to the following steps:
1. Verbal warning and discussion with student
2. Removal from class and written warning (Step 1)
3. Detention and written documentation with call/email home (Step 2)
4. Extended detention and/or service with written documentation and call/email home (Step 3)
5. Written documentation and Office Referral (Step 4)
NOTE: Any or all of the above steps may be accelerated in accordance with school policy depending on the severity of
the situation (This will be especially true in matters of classroom safety violations).
KEEPING IN TOUCH
I am split between Fremont and Smith Junior Highs, so getting in contact with me is best via email which I
check several times a day: scbernard@mpsaz.org My regular hours for tutoring are as follows:
FREMONT: Weds - 8:30am - 9:30am & by appointment after school
SMITH:
Weds - 4:00pm - 5:00pm & by appointment after school
PRINTED STUDENT NAME: _______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________ *Student signature _______________ date
____________________________________________________ *Parent/Guardian signature _________ date
*By signing above, you agree that you have read and understood the syllabus & rules and agree to them.