Course Expectations
Suzanne Marsolais-Johnson
Professional
Background
Classroom
Standards
Course Goals
Bill of Rights
Grading Policy
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Photo by Suzanne Marsolais-Johnson
le 2 avril 2006
To learn more about the Cathédrale de la Sacré Coeur, go to http://www.paris.org/Monuments/Sacre.Coeur/
I.  Professional Background:
 Bachelor of Arts Degree
- University of California, San Diego (Major: General Literature with a concentration in French Literature.  Minors: Drama, Sociology)
Diplome d�Études Supérieurs - Université de Dijon, France  (French Language and Culture) 
Clear Teaching Credential, K - Adult, Multiple Subject and Single Subject in Foreign Language, French (with supplementary authorizations in Sociology and Drama) - California State University, Los Angeles 
Language Development Specialist Certificate - Riverside County Office of Education
Master's Degree, Instructional Technology - California State University, San Bernardino 
Administrative Credential - Azusa Pacific University
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II.  Course Goals:
Proficiency in reading, listening, speaking and writing, as well as a general knowledge of French culture(geography, ethnicity, recreation,  culture, philosophies . . .) French I students will accomplish �survival� 
proficiency.  Upon the completion of Advanced Placement French IV, students will obtain a level of fluency necessary for college credit.
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III.  Grading Policy:
A. Demonstration of Progress = 50% of semester grade
This includes:  Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Oral presentations, etc.

B. Process: Completion of Course Requirements = 30% of semester grade
This includes:  participation in classroom activities, completion of in class assignments, oral responses and communicative activities in French during class, notebook checks and class notes

C. Homework = 20% of semester grade
This includes:  completion of homework, and projects and assignments completed outside of class.

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IV.  Classroom Standards
A)  Homework and Classwork:  (Les Devoirs)
1.  Homework and/or classwork will be done on a DAILY basis.
2.  Homework will NOT be accepted late.
3.  There will be absolutely NO WRITING in ANY text books!  Students may write in the Practice and Activity Workbooks ONLY if they purchased them at the beginning of the year.

I understand that homework will not be accepted late.
______________________.....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

I will use the Internet to check on any assignments that I miss if I am absent.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

I do not have access to the Internet at home, so I will talk to the teacher as soon as I return to school, during break, before or after class, or during lunch to check on any assignments that I miss if I am absent.
______________________.....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

B)  Notebooks (Les Classeurs)
1.  Every student will have a French class notebook.  The French notebook will be kept in the classroom.  If the student decides to bring it home to study, it will be returned to the classroom EVERY DAY.  In this notebook,  students will keep all: homework, classwork, quizzes, projects, class notes, vocabulary lists and verb conjugation lists.
2.  Students will write EVERYTHING the teacher writes on the board into their notebooks as class notes.  They will add anything that the teacher says which may help them to understand or remember a concept later.
3.  Notebook Quizzes will occur at irregular intervals, will never be announced ahead of time, and will always occur within the first few minutes of class.  They will be given within a limited time frame.  These quizzes may not be made up.  Be on time for class!!!
4.  This handout is to be kept in the front of the student�s notebook.

I understand that I must have my notebook with required contents in class EVERY DAY.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

I will use the Internet to check on any class notes that I miss if I am absent.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

I do not have access to the Internet at home, so I will talk to the teacher as soon as I return to school, during break, before or after class, or during lunch about any notes that I miss if I am absent.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

C) Oral Participation  (Participation Orale)
Each student is expected to make an effort to interact orally in French on a daily basis.  Participation points will be given by the teacher for oral responses, questions, comments or any attempt at communication by the student in French.

I will make every effort to participate speak in French during class.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)


D) Quizzes (Les Contrôles sur Table)
1.  Quizzes may or may not be announced in advance.
2.  Quizzes may not be �re-taken� for a better grade.
3.  Students may make up a quiz only if their absence was excused, and by appointment with the teacher. 
4.  Quizzes must be made up within one week of the student�s return to class.
.5.  There may be open note quizzes as well as closed note quizzes.

I will use the Internet to check on quizzes that I miss if I am absent.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

I do not have access to the Internet at home, so I will talk to the teacher as soon as I return to school, during break, before or after class, or during lunch to check on quizzes that I miss if I am absent.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

If I am absent, I will make an appointment with the teacher to make up missed quizzes as soon as I return to school.  I understand that if I do not make up quizzes within one week, I will receive a 0%.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

E)  Exams  (Les Examens)
1.  Exams will always be announced at least five days in advance.
2.  Students may make up an exam only if their absence was excused, and by appointment with the teacher.
3.  Exams must be made up within one week of the students return to class.
4.  Cheating = “F”

If I am absent, I will make an appointment with the teacher to make up missed Exams as soon as I return to school.  I understand that if I do not make up quizzes within one week, I will receive a 0%.
______________________....................________________________
     (Student Initials)..............................................(Parent Initials)

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V.  Bill of Rights (Les Droits d’Homme)
1.  Everyone has the right to a safe and clean desk and work area.  Please put away all materials and pick up trash from the floor before leaving the classroom.
2.  Everyone has a right to express feelings, opinions, and ideas without being interrupted, harassed or punished.
3.  Substitutes are to be honored as the highest nobility and ALWAYS obeyed.

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Students, please read and sign:
I have read and understand these guidelines.  I understand that I must follow these guidelines if I wish to receive a passing grade in this class.

____________________________________
(student’s signature)

Parents, please read and sign:

I have reviewed the above guidelines with my son/daughter.  I understand that if he/she is to receive a passing grade in French, he/she must follow these guidelines.

I will encourage him/her to attend class and be on time everyday.

I will encourage him/her to complete his homework on a daily basis.

I will NOT expect my son/daughter to be graded based on extra credit projects assigned at the end of the semester.  I understand that the semester grade reflects the completion of assignments and progress made throughout the semester.

I will also monitor his/her progress by checking the assignment sheet kept in the French notebook, or Edline using the Internet, at least once a week.

If I have any questions, I will contact Mrs. Marsolais at smarsolais-johnson@mvusd.org or at (951)696-1408x5672.

I will also verify that the school has my current day time telephone number so that Mrs. Marsolais can contact me when necessary.

I will make every effort to attend Back to School Night, Parent Teacher Conferences, and Open House so that Mrs. Marsolais can further describe this fascinating and exciting course, as well as brag about my wonderful son/daughter.

______________________________________
(parent’s signature)

From the Teacher:

I will answer all questions from the student and parent(s) to the best of my ability.  I will explain each concept in class in a variety of ways.  I will be available on a regular basis during lunch to assist students in need of further explanations.  I will try to contact the parent of any student receiving a D+ or lower grade by telephone at least once a semester, as well as through written progress report.
__________________________________________
(Suzanne Marsolais-Johnson)

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