AVID

What is AVID?
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a structured, college preparatory system that prepares students to attend a four-year university after graduation from high school.

AVID is a school-wide approach to curriculum and rigor that provides direct support to students.

Who is the average AVID student?

A student with high academic potential
A student with desire and determination
Many AVID students are the first to attend college in their family, low income or special circumstances

The Mission of AVID

Students will succeed in rigorous curriculum
Students will complete a rigorous college preparatory path
Students will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

In the AVID Elective students will...

Complete tutorials on a weekly basis
Have binders checked for neatness and organization
Set goals for today, high school, college and careers
Use Cornell Notes throughout all class subjects
Use WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading) strategies in all curriculum

District Avid webpage

Contact Ms. Smith

Two girls and their adviser smile and stand by a table promoting AVID.

Curriculum

The class is broken into 3 segments:
1)   AVID Curriculum: strategies for college & career
2)   Tutorials: study process
3)   Academic and Motivational Activities

We will be integrating technology where possible and using platforms like Google Classroom. Sign the AGENDA and remember digital citizenship is key.

According to 2013 U.S. News and World, 72 of the top 100 U.S. Universities are using Google Apps for Education and 7 of 8 Ivy League Schools.
Willis provides Homework hub M-Th from 4-5pm with a late bus if you need internet access or a place to complete homework please attend.
Most teachers also offer tutoring for their specific subject. AVID is Thurs.
We do host guest speakers and visit nearby colleges.

* Consider donating to tax credit for the AVID Club to decrease costs and benefit yourself at tax time. More information online.

Supplies and Donations

The AVID classroom can always use donations of:

dry-erase markers
tissues
paper
masking tape
charging cords for chromebook
poster boards
paper plates

Here at Willis, organization is important. It will benefit them if you help your student interact with the AVID organization structures. Binder checks happen about once a week across all classes.

Binders
Students and Parents can assist the students by checking to see that the students papers are regularly filed behind the correct tab for each class. Check that each class is sub-divided and correctly filed for notes, classwork, tests, and graded work.

Lastly, check that the student is keeping supplies such as lined paper and pencils.

These little things make a big difference in the life of a Junior High student today and for their organizational future.

In total the binder should have:

A Sturdy 3-4 inch Binder (If student prefer to use folders- have one for each subject)
Agenda
Dividers - 1 for each class (sub-divided per class): notes, classwork, tests, and graded work.
Pencil Pouch
2 Pencils or many more!
2 Pens
2 Highlighters of different colors
Sticky page flags to mark texts
Loose Leaf Paper
Students also need a daily journal: it can fit into the pencil pouch or the 3-rings

Other possibilities: Spiral notebooks, two pocket folders, dry-erase marker, ruler, and a calculator, note-cards, paper reinforcers

Also, many of the staff use the Cornell Note taking system that will be required weekly of the AVID elective students.

WICOR

AVID focuses on developing the skill sets needed for students to experience success in higher level courses. It requires a significant amount of work and determination on the part of the student. Past students have had great things to say about the organization, study skills, and family-like atmosphere of AVID.

AVID focuses on WICOR

W riting - reflections, notes, and essays
I nquiry - questioning for information, socratic seminars and discussion
C ollaboration - tutorials, community service, group activities
O rganization - goal setting, Binder, agenda maintenance
R eading - summaries, close reads, reciprocal teaching