SYLLABUS

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Mission Statement
The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, especially middle-performing students, will:
• enter the activities of the school;
• increase their enrollment in four-year colleges;
• and become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

What is AVID?
AVID is a program designed to help underachieving middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. AVID offers a rigorous program of instruction in academic “survival skills” and college level entry skills. The AVID program teaches the student how to study, read for content, take notes, and manage time. Students participate in collaborative study groups or tutorials led by tutors and peer tutors who use skillful questioning to bring students to a higher level of understanding.

AVID Course Description: the focus is on organization, study skills, and readiness for college testing and selection. Students will begin the comprehensive AVID portfolio.
Course Supplies: The student will need the following supplies for this class:
Heavy-duty 3 ring binder (3 inch) w/pocket inserts
5-6 colored dividers
loose-leaf paper
1 spiral notebook for journal
pens (3 or more)
pencils (3 or more)
zipper pencil pouch
highlighters (2 or more)
AVID Program


Content & Performance Standards:
The student will be able to:
refine personal & academic goals
become aware of interests, talents, & abilities
develop strategies to ensure academic success in core studies required for entrance to 4-year colleges and universities
refine skills in “Writing to Learn” across the curriculum
Ø develop college awareness within a schoolwide, college-going culture so they have the opportunity to be ready for the application process for a 4-year college or university
become proficient in using “The Writing Process” in core classes in order to write clear, coherent, & focused essays that exhibit awareness of audience & purpose & contain formal introductions, bodies of supporting evidence, & conclusions
distinguish between denotative & connotative meanings of words
identify and use knowledge of origins of commonly used words
apply context clues
synthesize the content & ideas from several sources dealing with a single issue or author
evaluate the credibility & comprehensiveness of evidence & related generalizations
compare & contrast the presentation of a similar theme
evaluate aesthetic qualities of work
produce concise notes for extemporaneous delivery
become more proficient in the mathematical skills & concepts that prepare them for the rigorous courses required for admission to 4-year colleges & universities

AVID in the High School.
The high school AVID program is ideally a four-year program for students who have the potential to succeed in college prep courses. Such students demonstrate a desire to attend college. Upon acceptance into AVID, students must also enroll in college prep courses which will result in fulfilling entry requirements for most statewide colleges and universities. AVID is an elective class which meets during the regular school day

Course Outline:
Quarter 1
o Binder Organization
o Cornell Notes
o Tutorials
o Time Management
o Test Taking Strategies
Quarter 2
o Cornell Notes
o College Admissions Testing
Quarter 3
o Learning Logs
o Self Exploration
Quarter 4
o Cost of Living
o Financial Aid Planning
o Career Exploration