AVID ELECTIVE CLASS
Ms. Simpson
Room 603
Contact Information
EMAIL:
Monday Tutorial Session 2:30-3:40
Conference Period: 2nd 8:15-9:30 Monday/Wednesday (by appointment)
AVID Course description:
AVID stands for Advancement via Individual Determination; therefore, it is necessary that students understand they are the key to their success in this program. Because this program has quite specific guidelines to help students achieve, the AVID contract and essentials must be followed. AVID is not only a class but it combines rigor and support to ensure student success in a college preparatory curriculum. It includes instruction in study skills, organization skills, communication skills, reading comprehension, writing, collaboration, inquiry, test-taking strategies, and personal development.
AVID Mission:
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Course Information:
The AVID program is designed to prepare students for higher education through rigorous levels of reading, writing, cooperative learning, and inquiry skills. Instructional time will be spent on these strategies, known as WICOR. Also instructional time will be used for tutorial sessions in which students take ownership in their learning process while working together and with tutors to deepen their understanding of content area subjects. In this class, you will be asked to reach deeper levels of learning and understanding. It will be challenging, engaging, and rewarding! My goal is to help you to be a better student so that you WILL BE successful in your future.
AVID class we will focus on the following areas:
Writing: Cornell Note taking and reflective writing
Inquiry: Critical thinking and problem solving, questioning techniques and test taking skills
Collaboration:Learning what it means to be a team player, working with a diverse group of students and learning how to solve problems in a study group
Organization:Maintaining an organized binder & planner
Reading: Utilizing methods that will promote comprehension and retention of reading materials
Communication: Using oral communications, computer skills and making presentations
College/Careers: Setting academic goals, preparing for college entrance, exploring career options, assessing personal strengths and the value of a college degree.
AVID Program Expectations:
· AVID students are expected to take Cornell Notes in all core subject classes, andin elective classes as needed.
· AVID students are expected to keeponeorganized binder for all subjects.
· AVID students are expected to demonstrate good citizenship at all times.
· Failure to meet these expectations may be grounds for dismissal from the AVID Program.
Grading Policy:
· Major Grades: 60%
· Daily Grades: 40%
Class Participation
Class participation is mandatory. Much of the work done in the AVID classroom is collaborative in nature. All students are expected to stay focused on the work assigned, and to contribute in a positive and consistent manner, equal to others in the group. Participation grades may be taken during lectures, tutorials and motivational activities.
Attendance and Tardy
See the student handbook for district attendance guidelines. AVID students are expected to be on time, and ready to work in ALL classes. Excessive absences will not be tolerated.Teachers will notify the AVID teacher if these expectations are not met, which may result in a parent conference and possible probationary status in the AVID program.
Missing/late work and exams
Late work will lose ten points for every day late up to three days. If work is not turned in due to an excused absence, it is due the day the student returns to class. Assignments missed due to an excused absence will be due in accordance with KHS.
Tutorial request forms (TRF) are due the day before your class period in the pocket outside Ms. Simpson’s door. TRF’s that are not turned in by that time will result in the AVID student receiving a zero for that TRF. Student will still be required to participate in tutorials.
Behavior
Behavior expectations for AVID students are high in all classes. You are expected to be role models on campus, and should always show respect for the learning environment. Excessive disciplinary issues may result in probation, and/or expulsion from the AVID program.
Classroom Expectations
1. Be on-time, on-task, and prepared to learn every day
2. Keep all personal electronics put away.
3. Be responsible for your own learning.
4. Respect the teacher, the classroom, and other students.
5. Challenge yourself.
Materials
Students in the AVID elective course are required to have the following items:
•AVID Binder: a 3" to 4" 3-ring binder to be used for all courses
•Dividers: approximately 8 dividers to organize all classes in the AVID Binder
•Pencil pouch: with holes so that it can be fastened into the AVID Binder
•Pencils and pens (at least two of each)
•Highlighters (at least two different colors)
•Paper
•Sticky Notes
•Colored Pens
Thank you for your support, and welcome to AVID!