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The AVID Elective Course

Syllabus

T.L. Hanna High School

2013-2014

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Course Philosophy

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 and placement exams, study skills and test taking, note taking, and research.

Course Structure

The AVID curriculum, which is based upon the following books in the AVID library—College and Careers, Strategies for Success, High School Writing, and College Readiness—lays the groundwork for the lessons taught in the AVID elective.

College and Careers prepares students for their future with lessons on test-taking skills. Preparation includes instruction in math and English language concepts frequently seen on college entrance tests, as well as practice on “mock” SAT® and ACT exams. In the ninth, tenth and eleventh grades, students are encouraged to take the PSAT® or the PLAN (Preliminary American College Test). In the eleventh and twelfth grades, students take the SAT® and ACT (American College Test).

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

Through High School Writing, 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 is a process. Students are expected to use this process in all grade level writing assignments.

College Readiness is a writing program taught in grades 11 and 12, and focuses on the writing and critical thinking skills expected of first and second year college students. The four essential academic skills for college readiness are 1) analyzing prompts, 2) selective and purpose-driven reading, 3) focused note-taking, and 4) integrating sources.

Tutorials

On tutorial days, students work with college tutors. Tutors assist students in small groups with academic questions that students bring to tutorial. Students are required to take notes during tutorial and use class and textbook notes to inform their discussions during tutorial. Tutors help students with the process of learning through inquiry, rather that giving students the answers to their questions. Students learn the value of working with others in tutorial.

Other Activities

In AVID, students also participate in motivational activities including college and career research, college and career speakers, field trips to colleges, and service learning experiences. These activities provide students with the resources they need to learn about opportunities available to them in their community.

Objectives of the Course

1. Students will take courses that meet four-year college entrance requirements.

2. Students will participate in tutorials for academic courses.

3. Students will learn and apply AVID skills, including note-taking, organization, time management, and goal setting.

4. Students will improve their oral communication skills through a variety of activities, including presentation and Socratic Seminar.

5. Students will participate in writing to learn activities, including note-taking, learning logs, and essay writing.

6. Students will learn to evaluate their own and other’s writing, using the rubrics and scoring guides modeled after college writing courses.

7. Students will prepare for college entrance examinations, including the SAT®, SAT® Subject, and ACT.

8. Students will complete a multi-grade level portfolio of their work in AVID.

9. Students will plan, participate in, and reflect upon a minimum of 80 hours of community service by the time they graduate.

10. Students will visit at least two colleges or universities during each academic year.

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 required to develop a portfolio at the end of nine-weeks grading period, representing their work in the AVID elective and other classes.

Grading

30% - Binder and notes check 40% - Tutorials, including reflections

10% - Daily class-work & homework 20% - Projects/Portfolios, & writing assignments

***T.L. Hanna’s Honor Code consists of two parts: students tell the truth and students do not cheat (give or receive inappropriate assistance). Violation of the honor code will result in disciplinary action at the administrator’s discretion.

Supplies

1. One (1) 3-inch binder or two (2) 2-inch binders

2. Dividers for academic class

3. At least one (1) spiral notebook per academic class.

4. Three pencils, pens, different colored highlighters

5. Three (3) dry erase markers

6. Pen/pencil pouch for binder

7. College-ruled paper

8. Weekly day planner

9. If new to TLH AVID

a. 1 Composition book

b. 1 folder with brads

The AVID Week

|Monday |Tuesday |Wednesday |Thursday |Friday |

|Tutorials/AVID Curriculum | |Tutorials/AVID Curriculum | |Binder Check/Team Building/|

| | | | |Speakers |

|Tutorials/AVID Curriculum | |Tutorials/AVID Curriculum/ Note Check | | |AVID Student & Parent/Guardian Signature Page

We have read and understand the AVID Course Syllabus and agree to support the efforts of this student in meeting the AVID Course Requirements outlined above.

AVID Enrollment Date: August 2013 (Month & Year began high school AVID)

AVID Student Name: __________________________________

Email Address: __________

Signed: _______ Date:

(Student)

AVID Parent/Guardian Name(s): ______

Telephone #: _______

Email Address: _______

Signed: _____________ Date:

(Parent/Guardian)

Dear Parents or Guardians,

My name is Kayla Jennette and I would like to welcome you to T.L. Hanna High School. I’m your child’s AVID Elective teacher for the 2013-2014 school year. In an effort to better communicate and monitor student progress in the AVID Elective class, I’ll be sending out email reminders in regards to upcoming AVID Elective assignments every Friday. If you would like to receive this email, please fill out this form and have your child return it to me by Friday. If you do not have an email address, please provide a phone number in which you can be reached and I’ll give you a call in regards to deadlines for major assignments as well as update you on your child’s progress. I look forward to working and communicating with you for the remainder of the school year.

Mrs. Kayla Jennette

AVID Elective Teacher

T.L. Hanna High School

Child’s Name: ________________________________________________________

Day: A B Block: __________

Parent’s Name: ________________________________________________________

Email Address: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________________________

I do not want to receive weekly updates.

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