AVID Syllabus

(Advancement Via Individual Determination)

Name: Rachael Herrera-West

Course Name: AVID II, III, IV

Email:

Teacher Voicemail: (904)547-8530 ext. 22237

Website: Students will receive code during the 1st week of school

Office Hours: M-F 8:30-9:10, and before or after school by appointment only

Course Description:Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an elective program that helps students to achieve the necessary requirements and skills to be eligible for university acceptance. The program has two major components: tutorials and AVID curriculum.

Tutorials will occur twice a week. Tutorials are small study groups that are facilitated by college students who will assist students with their studies. Each AVID student is to come prepared for the tutorial with questions from their core or college classes. Field trips may be scheduled to visit local colleges and universities, providing students with the opportunity to visit the institutions firsthand.

AVID students are expected to be motivated and determined to achieve university acceptance at the end of their high school career. It will be necessary for AVID students to manage their time so that school and studies become a top priority. This means that they will need to be responsible for making wise and sometimes difficult choices.

Instructional Model

Writing as a Tool of Learning

Inquiry Method

Collaborative Learning Groups

Organization

Reading as a Tool of Learning

GOALS: The goal is that all AVID students enter a 4-year university after graduation from St. Augustine High School. In order for students to achieve this goal they must:

  1. Complete all graduation requirements.
  2. Participate in collaborative tutorial sessions twice per week, using Socratic seminars and the inquiry method to analyze, synthesize and evaluate course concepts.
  3. Complete writing prompts that are designed to prepare students for college writing.
  4. Prepare and take the PSAT, SAT and ACT tests.
  5. Demonstrate academic survival skills including Cornell note-taking, public speaking, test taking and goal setting strategies and time management.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency of research and computer skills.
  7. Investigate universities of interest and possible career opportunities.
  8. Practice and complete college applications and financial aid forms.

SUPPLIES: The following materials are required in class every day. A lack of materials wastes valuable class time and interferes with success.

1 - three inch 3 ring binder with dividers, pencil pouch, pencil, pens, highlighters, composition notebook, filler paper, and 15 page protectors

GRADING POLICY: Grades will be determined using the following categories:

Summative Assessment (80%): Tutorials, Binders, Philosophical Chairs, Socratic Seminar, Projects, Tests, Quizzes, Projects

Formative Assessment (20%): Class Work, Assignments, Pop Quiz

GRADING SCALE: The grading system is based on points. Each assignment, quiz and test is worth a certain number of points.

90+ A

80-89B

70-79 C

69-60D

59-F

PROCEDURE FOR MAKE-UP WORK:Regular attendance is important. It is impossible to make up group work and class discussions. Assignments may be made up, but it is impossible to gain the emotion and insight that may have been achieved during class discussion. MAKE-UP WORK: IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to check with the teacher on make-up work. I am available before school to answer any questions a student might have about a missed assignment. Follow the attendance policies in the Student Code of Conduct.

Re-take Test

If a student earns a grade of D or F on a test, they will be given an opportunity to retake

that test.

The following guidelines apply:

  • Students will be required to do a “ticket-to-test” assignment before retaking the test
  • Re-takes can only be done during Jacket Prep on Wednesday afternoons
  • The Re-take must be taken within 1 week after the initial test was given.
  • The maximum grade a student can earn is a 75%

SPECIFIC CLASS RULES:

  1. Follow directions the first time given.
  2. Do not talk when I am talking.
  3. Raise your hand to be recognized – do not shout out questions or answers.
  4. No cut-downs or foul language.
  5. No gum, hats, or electronic devices.

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES:

  1. Optimum learning/highest possible grade.
  2. Verbal praise/home contact.
  3. Outstanding citizenship mark.

CITIZENSHIP:School is a place to learn. In order for learning to take place, responsible behavior is necessary. Any behavior that prevents or disrupts successful learning from occurring cannot and will not be tolerated. Each student is encouraged to learn to respect him or her and the right of others.

Best wishes for a great year! 

I have read and understand the class curriculum guide and behavioral expectations.

STUDENT SIGNATURE ______

Print Full Name:______

STUDENT INFORMATION:

Print Full Name:______

Nickname (if used): ______Birthday: ______

Full Address:______

Phone Number:______Grade Level:______

Student Resides With:______

Last English course:______

Grade Received:______

Language Spoken at Home:______

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION:

Print Father’s Name:______

Home Phone Number:______Hours Available:______

Work Phone Number:______Hours Available:______

E-mail Address:______Cell Phone Number:______

Signature:______Date:______

Print Mother’s Name:______

Home Phone Number:______Hours Available:______

Work Phone Number:______Hours Available:______

E-mail Address:______Cell Phone Number:______

Signature:______Date:______

I have read and understand the class curriculum guide and behavioral expectations.

Student’s Initials______Parent’s Initials:______