Welcome to 12th grade AVID!!

What is AVID?
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an internationally recognized
program designed to prepare students for success in four-year Universities. AVID
students enroll in rigorous courses to meet four-year college entrance requirements and
in an AVID elective class. The Tahquitz High School AVID program values academic
excellence, service, positive citizenship and leadership.
Objectives of the AVID Course
Students will:
1. Take course that meet four-year college entrance requirements.
2. Participate in tutorials for academic courses.
3. Learn and apply AVID skills, including note-taking, organization, time management,
and goal setting.
4. Improve their oral communication skills through a variety of activities, including
presentations and Socratic Seminars.
5. Participate in writing to learn activities, including note-taking and essay writing.
6. Evaluate their own and others writing, using rubrics and scoring guides modeled
after UC and CSU requirements.
7. Prepare for college entrance examinations, including the SAT, SAT Subject, and
ACT.
8. Complete and present a Multi-Grade Level Portfolio of their work in AVID.
Objectives of Senior AVID
Students will focus on the following:
College Applications
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Navigating College Web Sites
Personal Budgeting
College Life
Writing for College
Reading for College
Reflection Skills
Advanced Note Taking
Advanced Seminar
Tutorial

AVID Mission
AVIDs mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for
college readiness and success in a global society.

Materials

AVID students are required to keep a binder, as it has a direct impact on student success.
The requirements are:

3-Ring Binder- 2 or larger with pockets.

Minimum of 5 subject dividers.
Tahquitz high School Planner/Agenda
Zipper pouch for the following supplies:
o 2 or more black or clue pens
o 2 or more pencils
o 1 or more erasers
o 2 or more highlighters (different colors)
o Whiteboard marker (dry erase)
o Filler paper (lots)

Grading
The AVID class is designed to support the students and ensure their success in academic
classes. The grade for the AVID Elective class is as follows:

40% Tutorials: University students and upper class peer tutors will be coming into
our class twice a week to tutor AVID students. Students are responsible for
completing a Tutorial Request Form at home, prior to the tutorial sessions. In
addition, they must have the resources (books, notes, etc) to help answer their
questions.
30% Papers/Projects/Assignments: AVID students will be expected to participate in
all daily assignments and reflect about different prompts in their journals/notes.
Students will also complete a variety of projects and assignments including writing,
college research projects, and public speaking. Students will be given time in class
for most assignments.
10% Binder Checks: The AVID student binder will be checked every week for
materials, organization and Cornell Notes in all subject areas.
10% Participation: AVID students will be expected to participate in all activities
within the AVID class without being disruptive. Students have to be present each
day to receive all of their participation points.
10% Grade Checks: AVID students will be required to turn in a grde check every
other Friday. Grade checks must be signed by a parent and signed, with reflections
questions completed for credit.

AVID Service Learning

Service Learning is an integral part of being in AVID. It is about learning to pay it
forward. Students are required to complete 15 hours per semester, or approximately 5
per triad. Studies show that students with service learning experience are more likely to
be successful.
WE BELIEVE IN OUR AVID STUDENTS!
Students in AVID were recommended by their teachers and interviewed to be in the
program. We know they will be successful, and we will do everything we can to help
them. You may hear from me regarding their other classes.
Sincerely,