We first reviewed the distinction between proceedings in a trial court and an appellate court. Following up on appellate jurisdiction, I reviewed the meaning of jurisdiction-the power to hear and adjudicate a case -and principles of federal jurisdiction. Specifically, we discussed the role of precedent, the meaning of stare decisis , and the limitations on the court hearing cases in the absence of lawsuit by a litigant
withstanding. We last reviewed the types of cases the US Supreme Court can hear under its original jurisdiction and pursuant to its appellate jurisdiction. We further discussed how the US Supreme Court can alter precedent and change the law. Sam aptly commented on the subjectivity involved in the judicial system. We further reviewed Sam's test on the executive branch and made corrections and additions to her answers. For homework Sam is to read pgs 223-226,232-235, (last week's assignment) and pgs 248-253 and answer questions 1,2, and 5 on page 253.

Sam and I continued our study of the novel. We continued reading chapter four stopping to define difficult vocabulary and to make predictions. We also discussed the political allusions present throughout the novel. We finished our study of chapter four answering some of the accompanying study guide questions. Sam will finish the questions for homework.

Today Sam learned a very important speaking strategy. When speaking making mistakes is natural, and you will make some when speaking. Keep in mind when you make a mistake, 1. pause, 2. correct yourself, 3. and continue. Also, we discussed grammar notes. Sometimes an adjective may precede a noun. When the words BUENO and MALO procede a masuline singular noun, they are shortened to BUEN and MAL. When GRANDE precedes any singular noun, it becomes GRAN and its meaning changes to great. Sam practiced the following examples: Como es el Senor Alvarez? El Sr. Alvares es un BUEN maestro./ Como es Francisco? Francisco es un MAL estudiante.

Sam and I continued our study of the novel. We reviewed chapter three. We answered the accompanying study guide questions. Then we previewed chapter four and made predictions. We began reading chapter four.

Sam and I spent the first period reviewing a quiz she recently took on the Bill of Rights.

Sam continued working on translating and reflecting shapes across lines and the x and y axis. The task is seemingly simple, because it requires plotting points. However, we found that it was challenging to visually see how an image should actually look after it has been reflected across a diagonal line. It was good for Sam to practice graphing, and also to grow her visual and spatial thinking.

I showed Samantha how to solve division of two radicals by combining the two fractions under a single radical, dividing, and simplifying. We then worked on rationalizing denominators of fractions by multiplying them by the required radical expressions. There was no assignment.

Sam took a spelling quiz. Then we highlighted new vocabulary from the dictionary. Also, Sam learned how to describe the clothing people are wearing. Example: Student A: Roberto lleva una camisa interesante. Student B: De que color es la camisa? Student A: Es roja (vocabulary - los pantalones, la chaqueta, los zapatos, la camisa, los calcetines(medias). Then, Sam read aloud how to describe people (hair and eyes). Francisco tiene los ojos azules y el pelo corto. After, Sam practice lyrics of the song "Quizas, Quizas , Quizas" Integrating Music in Spanish Class" in order to improve fluency /speaking skills.

Sam learned about the role the financial markets play in the world economy and how to structure a diversified investment portfolio. She also learned about Bull/Bear markets, asset classes and how to analyze an investment. Next class: Salary vs. Wages, Labor and Productivity.

Sam took an exam on the executive branch today. After she finished ,we reviewed some of her answers and discussed some of the test questions. For homework, I assigned reading pages 223-226, pgs 232-235 and answering questions 1,3 on page 234. As the reading includes a summary of Marbury v Madison , I additionally assigned two questions on the facts and holding of the case that famously established the Court's power of judicial review.