AVID-Advancement Via Individual Determination 2017-2018 Coversheet
Instructor: Ms. Dent Phone: 348-5526 Email:
Course Description
The mission ofAVID is to support students’ success in rigorous curriculum and guide them on their college-preparatory path. The curriculum will open further the doors for students to become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the AVID freshman year, students will apply to their coursework
organizational skills.
note-taking skills.
higher-level thinking skills.
motivational techniques.
test-taking techniques.
self-advocacy.
academic confidence.
Methods of Instructor
You will work individually, in pairs, and in groups in order to meet all the requirements of this course and the diverse needs of all students. You will be instructed both by Mrs. Dent and various teachers along with tutors who will aid you in your academic rock star status.
Grading and Assessments
Because this class will involve diverse instruction, you will be graded on tutorials, binders, notes,planners, organization, class activities, participation, presentations, quizzes, and various reading and writing assignments.
To pass this class, the student must earn a 60% average.
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED without a late pass.
Attendance will directly influence your success! Be here, and be prepared!
Grading Scale
A-90%-100%
B-80%-89%
C-70%-79%
D-60%-69%
Below 60% earns a failing grade
Materials
Please bring the following with you to class every day:
binder (complete with all accoutrements which include the items below)
▪ 3 inch binder
▪ tabs/dividers for eachclass
▪ binder pencil case
▪ notebook paper
▪ ruler
▪ arrows/sticky notes
▪ two or more pens and pencils
▪ two highlighters
planner
questions from other classes
***On tutorial days, you will need to bring all materials for the class in which you are focusing.
AVID Activities
As an AVID student, advantages and expectations for you go beyond the blocks of time you spend in this classroom. You will have opportunities that other Spartans do not which, if your heart is in the game, will set you up in the front of the pack. Check out what you’ll be doing!
Learning with college tutors
Writing for all classes
Developing strategies for success
Preparing for a professional career
Team building
Participating in community events
Participating in West activities
Researching colleges and programs
Visiting colleges
Applying for college/scholarships
CLASS POLICIES
Grading and Assessments
You will be graded on homework, essays, class activities, quizzes, projects, and oral/written exams.
Assignments will include reading literature, analysis of literature, reading about literature, examples of literature, writing about literature, speaking about literature, and then some literature.
There are no re-testing opportunities.
To pass this course, you will definitely need to
earn at least of 60% of the total points available.
read and respond to all readings and vocabulary.
be an active part in class.
enjoy each and every moment in this classroom...or at least most of them.
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Daily assignments and quizzes measure how prepared you are on a daily basis; failed assignments and quizzes cannot be retaken.
Make Up Policy- Any make-up workwill be discussed/assigned during Intervention.
Excused absences
Work due on the date of the absence is due when your foot hits the tile.
Missed class work from an excused absence should be made up within two days of your absence. It is your responsibility to ask for work assigned on the date of absence ON THE DAY YOU RETURN TO SCHOOL.
Some activities completed in class are unique to the time and elements in which they are presented, so you may have an alternate assignment to make up the points associated.
Missed quizzes must be taken on the date of return, or you will earn a zero for that assignment.
Missed tests will be scheduled before or after school, during lunch or Homeroom. Make sure to stop in and see me on the first day of your return to schedule that test, or you will earn a zero.
Late work goes to the bottom of my grading stack. If you have a late assignment, your grade will probably not be updated immediately due the large about of regular assignments that I grade every day. If you have an extenuating circumstance such as eligibility concerns or parental concerns, please let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate you.
Work due on the date of an unexcused absence will be accepted BUT NOT RECORDED IN THE GRADEBOOK. This includes major projects and tests!
Work assigned the date of an unexcused absence will not be accepted.
If you are in the building but not in class during class time, you must have a school excused absence. In this case, a parental excuse will not allow you to make up the work due or the work assigned during the block you were absent.
Responsibility and Participation
Have fun! Have a good attitude! In the wise words of my beloved niece Kallie, “Don’t rub your meanies off on the rest of us.”
I expect you to be here; absences will be a problem in this class.
I expect you to do your fair share of group work. Often we have so much to cover that we “divide and conquer” the material. If you don’t do your part, the entire class misses out. We need to be able to rely on you.
You will be expected to read, write, edit and share your writing with other students. Peer editors are expected to be thoughtful and considerate of each other.
You are expected to come to class each day with all required materials and assignments.
Discipline and Class Rules
An atmosphere of respect and a commitment to learning will pervade this classroom; therefore, all rules and procedures of GreeleyWestHigh School will be enforced. Any additional rules pertaining to this class will be implemented as necessary.
Please don't bring any food to this classroom!
Attendance/Tardies
See Greeley West Attendance Policy as stated in the student handbook.
Tardies
If you find yourself outside the classroom door when the bell rings, plan on staying two minutes after the release bell with me. Say, just for the sake of saying, you have a perpetual issue getting here on time…your parents, who love you, and I will make a new plan for you. Still not motivated…detention is in your future.
Absences
If you are absent, your parent or guardian has 48 hours to call to excuse you. On the sad occasion that you should accumulate 16 single classes of unexcused absences, you and your parents will be contacted by the district with a plan to help you.
HallPass
A hall pass policy regarding the first and last ten minutes of class will be followed. Students are not permitted to leave the classroom during this time. Should you need to use the hall pass, you will need to double check that you have your student ID in hand. Please note that you have limited destinations which sadly do not include the vending machine, your Boo’s classroom, Smoker’s Corner or other undesirable locations. Plan on using the hall pass no more than three times during the course of the semester.
Specific Expectations
Be to class on time.
Be prepared with all materials
Do your own work. Cheating will not be tolerated. Plagiarism, copying homework, playing the system in a naughty way and cheating on quizzes and/or assessment tests may result in a zero for you and your co-conspirators, a student/teacher conference, parent notification, and a disciplinary referral. All work is regularly checked to ensure that your work is original and no internet or other materials are being used without proper citations.
Treat everyone with respect. Do not disrespect or interrupt class by talking, acting out, or calling attention to yourself. Offensive language, derogatory jokes, or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated.
Cellular phones and other electronic devices are a constant disruption. I don’t want to see your electronic menagerie. Your cell phone should be turned off, out of sight and not a disruption. If the phone rings, you are text messaging, you are taking photos, or you are looking longingly in the direction of your cell phone, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the day. You may pick up your phone in the office after school.
After all these rules, rules, rules, we are all in this together to help build your amazing future. Nothing is more important than that.
COVER SHEET
SIGNATURE FORM
AVID
Please sign the student portion of this form, share the information in the cover sheet with your parent(s)/guardian(s), and have a parent/guardian sign the bottom of this form. Return only the bottom half to me by the second week of class and keep the remainder of the cover sheet in your notebook.
PARENT/GUARDIAN PORTION
I have read the cover sheet for this course and will provide any support needed to assure that my son/daughter will succeed both academically and behaviorally.
I understand that cell phones are not to be in use during class time. I will leave voice messages for my child which can be listened to at a more appropriate time, or in the case of an emergency, I will contact my child through the main office. I understand that if my child uses his/her cell phone in class, it will be confiscated until a parent or guardian claims it between the hours of 7:30 and 3:20.
______
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
I have read and understand the information on the cover sheet for this class. I agree to adhere to the policies set forth for the class and acknowledge that I am aware of the penalties for not doing so.
Student Signature: ______Date: ______