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AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is offered as an elective course that prepares students for entrance into four year colleges. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, preparation for college entrance exams, study skills and test taking, note taking and research.

Course Description/Structure

Avid meets five periods per week. Students receive two hours of instruction per week in college entry skills, two hours per week in tutor-led study groups, and one hour per week in motivational activities and academic survival skills. In AVID, students focus on activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading to support their growth academically.

The AVID curriculum, which is based upon the following books in the AVID library – Colleges and Careers, The Strategies for Success, and The Writing Curriculum – lays the groundwork for the lessons taught in the AVID elective.

Colleges and Careers prepares students for their future with lessons on test-taking skills. Preparation includes instruction in math and English concepts frequently seen on college entrance tests, as well as practice on mock SAT and ACT exams.

In The Strategies for Success, AVID students learn skills such as time management, note taking, textbook reading, library research, and maintaining the AVID binder, including an assignment calendar, class and textbook notes, assignments, and homework which is graded regularly.

Through the Writing Curriculum, AVID stresses the importance of writing as a tool for learning. This strategy forms the basis of all assignments. Writing preparation revolves around the improvement of writing in all subject areas because writing clarifies thought. In AVID, students learn that writing process. Students are expected to use this process in all grade level writing assignments.

On tutorial days, students work with college tutors. Tutors assist students in small groups with academic questions that students bring to a tutorial. Students are required to take notes during tutorial and use class and textbook notes to inform their discussions during tutorial.

In AVID, students also participate in motivational activities including college and career research, college and career outreach speakers, and field trips. These activities provide students with the resources they need to learn about many positive opportunities available to them in the community that will impact their future.

Objectives of the Course

  • Students will take courses that meet four-year college entrance requirements.
  • Students will participate in tutorials for academic success.
  • Students will learn and apply AVID skills including note taking, organization, time management, and goal setting.
  • Students will improve their oral communication skills through a variety of activities including presentation and Socratic seminar.
  • Students will participate in writing to learn activities, including note taking, learning logs, and essay writing.
  • Students will prepare for college entrance examinations.
  • Students will complete and present a portfolio of their work in AVID.

Assessment Procedures

AVID students will be assessed using a variety of performance based assessments. They will be judged not only on the AVID basics such as a well organized notebook, participation in tutorials, and note taking, but also according to their performance on timed writings, practice college entrance tests, participation in Socratic Seminars, and other activities. Students are requires to develop and present the portfolio at the end of the year, representing their work in the AVID program. Student grades will be determined by using the following formula:

Classwork-50%
Assessments- 30%
Homework- 20%

Binder Contents

  • Good quality 3-ring binder, 2 1/2” or 3” rings with pocket inserts
  • Five to six colored tab subject dividers to separate each academic class including AVID
  • Zipper pouch to store supplies
  • Two or more pencils
  • Two or more pens
  • Filler paper
  • Tutorial log (To be provided)

Bibliography

  • Caine, Nancy, Regina Risi, Paolina Schiro and Carmen Serret-Lopez. College and Careers, grades 6- 12. San Diego: AVID Press, 2005.
  • Risi, Regina, Paolina Schiro and Carmen Serret-Lopez. Strategies for Success, grades 6- 12. San Diego: AVID Press, 2005.