Español IV
HHS 2012-2013
Teacher: Drew Keller
Room: E105
Email: Drew.Keller@pfisd.net
Conference Periods: 2nd/6th periods
Phone: 512.594.1250
Tutoring Days: Mon, Tue, Thurs. - 8am to 850am
Welcome to Spanish IV! This is an advanced level class in which you will be preparing for the
AP exam in May 2014. In this class there will be great emphasis on advanced Spanish
literature, essay writing, listening comprehension and much more. We will explore cultures
through music, film, short-stories, essays, poems, and other works of literature. Through this
exploration we will discover advanced grammar and vocabulary as well as how to construct
written essays and verbal responses in regards to analyzing the works of literature, art and
film that we encounter.
Goals for Spanish IV
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Complete an analysis of different literary works.
Amplify knowledge of grammar and vocabulary of the Spanish language at an advanced level.
Further reading ability and comprehension through stories and articles of Spanish literature.
Further speaking ability through advanced verbal communication of topics discussed in class.
Further listening ability and comprehension through oral representations of text and simulated
class exercises.
Required Textbook
Our required textbook is De Paseo. Textbooks will be issued by the bookroom and are
expected to be brought to class DAILY. In correlation with the textbook we will be using a
varied assortment of Spanish literature that includes short-story compilations, journals, books
of poems, novels, and other authentic resources.
Other Required Class Materials:
1. Spanish-English Dictionary (REQUIREMENT)
2. Spiral journal for vocabulary- Students will be given this on the first day of class.
3. 3-Ring binder with 5 sections divided as follows:
a. Diario
b. Apuntes
c. Dictados/Pruebas/Examenes
d. Tarea
Academic Integrity
Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Pflugerville ISD Code of Conduct and
Student Handbook with regard to Academic Integrity. Any work submitted by a student in
this course for academic credit will be the student’s own work unless otherwise specifically
directed by the teacher. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Class Expectations and Guidelines
This class is conducted in SPANISH. It is required to use Spanish while in class (outside
of class wouldn’t hurt either!  ).
Be respectful of everyone in the classroom. This means: personal spaces, belongings and
above all we do NOT put each other down. Respect is given for effort put forth.
Be prepared for class. What you are required to bring to class is not a choice. There will be
consequences for materials left at home.
Personal belongings not related to class materials (make-up, food, homework from other
classes) are to be left inside your backpack or book-bag in a safe place under or beside your
desk.
See below note regarding electronic devices:
I DO allow electronic devices in my class. However, only on assigned “Electronic days” and
devices will only be used for academic purposes.
On NON-electronic days, devices are to be kept away in backpacks or carrying bags.
This means:
- They are off or silent.
- They are not in use at any point during the class period.
Consequences if this rule is broken:
 First offense: Device is turned in to me and given to office for parent pick-up.
 Second offense: Device is turned in to me and then sent to office for parent pickup with a fine.
 Third offense: Just don’t do it. You don’t want to find out what happens here.
Grading
- 80% of a student’s grade will be based on Summative Assessments (Major
grades/Tests/Projects/Etc.)
- 20% of a student’s grade will be based on Formative Assessments (Minor
Grades/Homework/ Daily work)
*Parents and students may check progress on the TX Gradebook Program.
Retesting
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Students scoring below “70” on a Major (Summative) Grade shall be allowed (or
may be required) to redo the assignment/test (or similar) after completing
prerequisite work. The higher grade, with a maximum of “70”, shall be recorded.
Retesting/redoing should be completed within five school days (unless the teacher
makes alternative provision for extenuating circumstances).
Late Work
 Students will be afforded opportunity to submit late work for Formative Assignments
during each grading period.
 Late work submissions in this regard must be submitted by the end of the grading
period, with the grading period defined as each 3 week segment in the year.
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Late work submissions in this regard must be good-faith efforts at the assignment;
trivial attempts at assignments will not be accepted or graded. The teacher will
determine the worthiness of the late assignment submitted.
Late work submitted will receive the grade obtained if completed in a timely
manner, yet no higher than a 70.
Extra credit assignments are NOT subject to this Late Work provision.
LA PALABRA DE HONOR
La Palabra de Honor is a class pledge that each student will sign to honor the class
expectations and guidelines and also to acknowledge each student’s awareness of
Hendrickson High School’s grading procedures, make-up work guidelines, and attendance
policies.
The pledge will also mean that the student understands and promises to uphold the policies,
procedures and expectations of the teacher and the syllabus given.
I have read the above information and understand what is expected to be successful in this
classroom
Student signature_________________________________
date______________________
I have read the above information and understand what is expected of my child in order to be
successful in this classroom and pledge my support.
Parent/Guardian signature______________________________
date______________________