Lancaster High School
2015-2016 Spanish I and II Syllabus
Profesor: Luis Ramos
Contact Information
Phone: 972-218-1800
Email: luisramos@lancasterisd.org
Bienvenidos a la clase de Español! In Spanish I class we will use effective strategies for Spanish
language learning by encouraging its correct usage while nurturing a cultural understanding for
self-directed purposes. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking
and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to requests and questions in expanded
contexts, participate independently in brief conversations on familiar topics, and write cohesive
passages with greater independence and using appropriate formats. Spanish II builds on the basic
understanding of vocabulary, grammar, structure of the language, and culture learned the
previous year. Students will continue to focus on the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading,
and writing Spanish for the purpose of communication. Students will also continue to study the
culture and customs of the Spanish-speaking world.
PREREQUISITE: Students must have passed both semesters of Spanish I in order to take this
course.
Communication
Students engage in conversation, exchange information, express
feelings, emotions and opinions.
Cultures
Students understand the relationship between practices and perspectives
of Hispanic cultures.
Connections
Students reinforce their knowledge of other disciplines through
Spanish, gain knowledge about Hispanic culture and recognize the
viewpoints available only with Spanish and Hispanic culture.
Comparisons
Students understand the nature of language by comparing it to English,
and understand the basis of culture by comparing it to the culture in the
U.S.
Communities
Students use Spanish in school and beyond, in the community, and
appreciate and demonstrate the ability to be a lifelong learner of
Spanish (how it can enrich their lives).
Course Materials
Spanish 1


¡Buen Viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1: Chapters 1-5
¡Buen Viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1 Workbook: Chapters 1-5
Spanish 2
 ¡Buen Viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1: Chapters 6-11
 ¡Buen Viaje! Glencoe Spanish 1 Workbook: Chapters 6-11
Required Materials and Supplies:
1 Composition Notebook (Stays in class)
1 folder, notebook paper, and a writing utensil.
It is your responsibility to keep your papers organized!
Absences/Classwork/Homework/Assessments:
Attendance is a vital part of student success. I encourage all students to be in class on time every
day. Participation is important in class.
If the student is late, he or she must have a tardy pass. No student will be allowed in class after
the tardy bell rings without a pass. Any warm-ups missed because of an unexcused tardy cannot
be made up.
In addition to textbook activities, practice workbook activities, audio, video and written
activities, and homework, students will have quizzes and tests.
Homework: In order for students to continue the development of language skills at least on a
weekly basis, homework will be assigned on a regular basis. The purpose of homework is:
 to reinforce concepts presented in class;
 to increase the retention of concepts presented in class;
 to develop study skills for further language study.
Homework may include practice sheets, on-line activities, reading a book or articles in the target
language.
Students are responsible for turning in missed assignments on time upon their return from an
excused absence. Students have two days to make up their work. In other words, there is no
penalty for late work due to excused absences.
There will be no extra credit to make up for missed assignments.
If a student is absent on a day of a quiz or a test, he/she will be expected to come to make up
the missed quiz/test during, or on a day agreed upon.
Homework and classroom assignments must be clean and legible with the proper heading.
Torn, dirty, or incomplete assignments are unacceptable and will not be collected. Students must
be present for the final exam.
Culture/Religion
In the Spanish speaking world, there are many events, celebrations and holidays that are
influenced by religion. We feel it is important to provide an accurate cultural picture, therefore,
will be discussing customs associated with these events. A few examples of “holidays” we may
cover are:
Day of the Dead
Our Lady of Guadalupe
La Pascua
If, for any reason, you would prefer that your student not participate in certain discussions,
please let me know and I will make alternate arrangements.
There are also several political issues that are the subject of much debate currently (Cuba, Illegal
Immigration). I will be fair and impartial when teaching about these topics.
Grading Scale:
Grades will be determined by student performance in six areas: warm ups, class work,
homework, projects, weekly quizzes and chapter tests. The Grading scale is as follows:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89.9%
C = 70-79.9%
D = 60-69.9%
F = 0-59.9%
EVALUATION and Grading Policies
OVERALL COMPONENT OF GRADE
20% - Homework
40% - Unit tests/Quizzes/Projects
40% - Classwork
Classroom expectations:
1. Read objectives.
2. Start immediately on “Trabajo de Inicio” (Bell Work).
3. Raise your hand if you have questions.
4. Bring all materials to class each day, including your text, workbook and your personal
Spanish notebook.
5. Respect all public and private properties. Keep your hands to yourself.
6. There will be No eating or chewing gum in class.
7. No cell phone or electronic device use. Only when instructed. Charging devices in the
classroom is NOT allowed.
Contact Policy
I prefer to be contacted via e-mail. Please use e-mail as the first option. I will get back to you
within 48 hours. If I cannot resolve the issue within that time, I will at least let you know I
received your correspondence and will get back to you as soon as I can resolve the issue. Of
course, for more urgent matters, or if you do not have an e-mail account, you can call me.
Again, I will get back to you within 48 hours. I will also meet with parents and students at a
time that will work for both of us.
*Please note – this syllabus is subject to revisions throughout the year. Any changes will be
made clear to students.
Most Importantly – I look forward to great year!
*By signing this document the student and the parents confirm knowledge and accept every
detail in the syllabus for the Spanish I or II class of Mr. Ramos at Lancaster High School. After
signing, please return this page to Mr. Ramos.
Student Signature________________________________________ Date: __________________
Parent Signature _________________________________________ Date: _________________