Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How is my grade computed?
- Can I do extra credit work to bring up my average?
- How is my participation score computed?
- Am I responsible for work missed due to my absence from class?
- What happens if I am absent for a test or quiz?
- Do you accept late assignments?
- Do you offer extra help?
- Are there tutors available?
- When do I take the Regents Exam in Spanish?
How is my grade computed?
Your grade is based on the following grade category distributions:
Quizzes = 25%
Tests/Projects = 35%
Classwork/Homework = 20%
Participation = 20%
Cultural Spanish:
Quizzes = 20%
Tests = 25%
Classwork = 40%
Participation = 15%
Can I do extra credit work to bring up my average?
No, I do not offer extra credit to raise your final average for any marking period. Your average is
based on 10 weeks worth of assignments, quizzes, tests, and participation. You have many
opportunities during the quarter to show me what you can do. Your homework average and
participation score have a huge impact on your overall average. Do your homework assignments and
turn them in on time! Be an active rather than a passive learner.
There are times where a particular quiz does not go well with the class in general. In such cases I
often re-test, counting the highest score earned. I also have a mastery system as part of my
grading, so if you score higher on the following quiz or exam of the same theme, I will let the higher
score replace the lower one. I offer this mastery system so that each student can have the
opportunity to demonstrate improvement.
There is usually a bonus points section on quizzes and tests. The points
earned make up for points lost on the quiz or test.
How is my participation score computed?
You earn participation points by verbal or written participation in the
classroom. Each day a different student keeps track of who is participating
by putting check marks next to your name on my participation clipboard. I
add up these check marks at the end of the quarter. Your participation
score is based on how many points you earned in the quarter in relation to
the class as a whole. Participation points are also earned by completing your
homework assignments on time. This allows the "quiet" students a chance to
boost their participation average.
Please remember that this is a language class. Unless you have a native
background in Spanish, you need to practice to improve your speaking and
listening skills, which also count for 54% of the Regents Exam in Spanish.
Am I responsible for work missed due to my absence from class?
Yes. Every assignment counts. It is your obligation to turn in missing
work as soon as possible after you return from an absence. Failure to do so
will result in a score of zero for the assignment(s) in question.
What happens if I am absent for a test or quiz?
If possible, I will give it to you to take in class the day you return. This is not always possible, so you
may have to make arrangements to stay after school to take the test/quiz with me. The objective is
to make up the missing test/quiz as soon as possible.
The most important thing is that you make arrangements for the make-up right
away. Your failure to make-up the quiz or test in a timely manner will
result in a score of ZERO being given for the quiz or test in question.
Do you accept late assignments?
Yes, late homework assignments receive 1/2 credit (=50 pts.), provided that the
assignment is completed and turned in before the content of the assignment
is tested.
Do you offer extra help?
Yes, I am always willing to meet with you to provide extra help. I am
usually available afterschool until 3:30 (late bus), but please let me know
as soon as possible so that I can be sure that I have no prior obligations
for the time/day that you want to meet. I also have free time period 1,
period 5 (my lunch period) and period 8, if that is more convenient. You
may also meet with me in the morning before school starts. I am usually in
the building by 6:30 am.
Are there tutors available?
Yes, you can go to the Learning Center and request a tutor. They will give
you a form to fill out which requires my signature. The tutors are usually
students from our upper level (4 & 5) classes. The Learning Center (through the
district) covers the cost of the tutor.
You can also arrange for private tutoring; see your guidance counselor.
When do I take the Regents Exam in Spanish?
The Spanish Regents is given at the end of level 3, in June. It is one-fifth of your final average. You
cannot receive Regents credit unless you pass the Regents exam.