Explore the strengths and flexibility of the SVS learning environment where students learn to communicate in Spanish and develop an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture. SVS High School Spanish, from the Division of Continuing Education at Kansas State University, is a student's passport to knowledge, as a certified Spanish Instructor and your local Teaching Partner work together to create a Spanish classroom in your school.
For nearly two decades, SVS has provided the top-quality curriculum that school districts demand and is the answer to meeting state and college entrance requirements for foreign language instruction. By focusing on the National and State Language Learning Standards (communications, cultures, comparisons, communities, connections) SVS High School Spanish teaches how to say what to whom en español.
SVS High School Spanish works to meet individual state requirements so that participating schools can offer Spanish I and II as full-year courses for high school credit. SVS course content is comparable to traditional beginning Spanish courses. Students learn to communicate with people of the Spanish-speaking world through instruction and practice in the four basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Both Spanish I and II emphasize cultural awareness.
Spanish I or Spanish II- Classroom-using a Teaching Partner Videolessons and correlating detailed lesson plans are provided in binders each semester. Typically, two 45-minute video lessons (broadcast quality, provided on high-quality DVD format) alternate with Teaching Partner-led activities designed and provided by the SVS instructor. Because the Teaching Partner learns along with the students, he or she does not need any previous knowledge of Spanish. The Teaching Partner assigns the final grade.
e-SVS Spanish II- Independent Study- mediated instruction The e-SVS course provides the same Spanish II content. The availability of this online course ensures that students who do well in SP I can continue with their study. This course is best utilized when schools are unable to provide a classroom experience for 1-3 students due to scheduling or staff conflicts. Schools assign a facilitator who serves as the liaison between SVS and the independent learner(s). Students access online course modules and activities that are scored immediately, submit Portfolio Projects at the end of each chapter, take chapter Communication Evaluations over the phone with SVS staff, and complete the oral evaluation each semester. A Teacher of Record assigns the final grade under the guidance of the SVS course instructor.
At least one time per unit, each class section participates in a pre-arranged phone lesson with the Spanish-speaking SVS instructor and/or support staff. This increased interaction provides communication practice and helps support the individual learning needs of each student. Oral evaluations utilizing audiocassette recordings are conducted each semester and scored by SVS staff.
Spanish I goals Students will be able to produce and recognize Spanish (in spoken and written form) in order to participate, at a beginner's level, in communication regarding selected topics. The accuracy/control of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and pronunciation patterns expected of students will reflect that within the Novice-Low range on the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Scale. Students will also be able to discuss (in spoken and written English) some aspects of Hispanic cultures related to these themes.
Spanish II goals Students will be able to produce and recognize Spanish (in spoken and written form) in order to participate, at a beginner's level, in communication regarding selected topics. The accuracy/control of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and pronunciation patterns expected of students will reflect that within the Low- to Mid-Novice range on the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Scale. Students will also be able to discuss (in spoken and written English) some aspects of Hispanic cultures related to these themes.
Spanish II prerequisites Students entering the Spanish II class should be able to complete the communicative functions of the SVS Spanish I course or their equivalent with reasonable accuracy.