PURPOSE OF STUDYING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The most basic objective of language study is to communicate in the language, both orally and in writing.  These two skills, as well as the skills of listening comprehension and reading will be emphasized at all levels.  The beginning student will concentrate on listening and speaking.  The advanced student adds the reading and writing skills.  All four skills are presented so that correct grammar and vocabulary are basic to the learning process.  In addition, students will learn about and to appreciate other aspects of French culture, civilization, geography, history, literature, food, and daily life.

 

GRADING POLICY

Tests - 25%

Quizzes - 25%

Homework - 25%

Miscellaneous - 25% (oral participation, projects, oral quizzes, attendance, dress code, necessary materials, arrival on time, etc.)

All evaluations are given a numerical grade which is converted into a letter grade at the end of the quarter.  The grading scale can be found in the handbook.

Oral participation is absolutely essential.  You cannot learn to communicate without speaking.  Every student will be called on to answer during class.  Voluntary participation is encouraged.

Homework assigned during a class is due the next class meeting unless otherwise indicated by the teacher.  Homework not handed in at that time receives a zero unless the student has an excused absence.  Wrong assignments are not accepted.  Homework can be handed in late, but the maximum credit will be 50%.  Homework is graded on a scale from 1-10.  Homework handed in on time and completely done receives a 10.  Homework handed in on time but incomplete in any way will receive a grade from 1 to 9, depending on how much was completed.  At the discretion of the teacher and depending on the nature of the assignment, some assignments may not be collected or checked .

IF A STUDENT IS LATE TO CLASS AND HOMEWORK HAS ALREADY BEEN COLLECTED OR CHECKED, THE GRADE IS A ZERO!  IF AN ASSIGNMENT IS CORRECTED IN CLASS, THEN IT CANNOT BE MADE UP FOR CREDIT.  IF A STUDENT HAS AN EXCUSED ABSENCE, THIS WILL NOT COUNT AGAINST HIM/HER.

MAKE-UP WORK is the responsibility of the student.  Work may be made up only if the absence is excused.  When a student is absent, he/she should try to contact a fellow classmate to find out what work was missed.  Or the student can e-mail me at the address given by 3:00 p.m.  and I will send the assignment to the student.  If these arrangements do not work, the student should see me as soon as possible when he/she returns to school.  If a student misses a test or a quiz, it must be made up within one week of the student's return to school.  Students should check with me as soon as they return in order to set up a time.

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

  1. Provide your own paper and pens.  Written work must be done in ink.
  2. Tests will be kept on file with the teacher, after students see and correct the test
  3. Books and workbooks are required every day, including test days.
  4. Books and other materials are not to be shared during class.
  5. French III and AP French must have their dictionaries in class.
  6. Attendance for class is very important.  Any student who cuts a class will receive a zero for any missed work.
  7. Neatness is important.  If I cannot read it, it will be marked wrong.
  8. Each paper must have the proper heading, which is displayed in the classroom.
  9. ALL WRITTEN WORK, INCLUDING EXERCISES, MUST BE WRITTEN IN COMPLETE SENTENCES.
  10. There is no extra credit.  All effort should be directed toward the assigned work.
  11. Be prepared for class.  Make it a good habit.
  12. CHEWING GUM IS NOT ALLOWED.  You cannot speak correctly with gum in your mouth.
  13. Trash should be placed in the trashcan before or after class.  Any trash left in or around the desk will result in detention.
  14. Writing on the desks or defacing them in any way, including placing gum under or on them, will be considered vandalism and destruction of school property.  Disciplinary action will be taken.
  15. Certain areas of the classroom are "off-limits" to the students.  These areas include the teacher's desk, file cabinets, computer, t.v., fan, boards and especially the windows.
  16. Cheating is not tolerated and will result in a grade of zero.  Parents and administration will be notified.  WORKING TOGETHER ON HOMEWORK IS ACCEPTABLE.  COPYING HOMEWORK IS CHEATING.
  17. Common courtesy is expected when listening to others.  When you wish to speak, raise your hand.
  18. NEVER THROW ANYTHING IN THE CLASSROOM.
  19. Spiral notebook, ripped from a notebook, is not acceptable.
  20. Do not loiter in the hallway before class.
  21. Notes from teachers do not excuse lateness to class.  Speak to teachers or finish tests on your own time.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. To understand the target language as it is spoken in a range of situations.
  2. To speak the target language to communicate information, ideas, and opinions.
  3. To comprehend a variety of reading materials in the language.
  4. To write the language in order to communicate ideas, information, and opinions.
  5. To demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of other languages, histories, cultures, and civilizations.