Course Description:  Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success, and it is scheduled during the regular school day as a year-long course. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading to support their academic growth.  

9^th Grade Concept:

The 9th grade AVID Elective course will serve as a review of the AVID philosophy and strategies. Students will work on academic and personal goals and communication, adjusting to the high school setting. Students will increase awareness of their contributions to their learning, as well as their involvement in their school and community. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, focusing on personal goals and thesis writing. Students will work in collaborative settings, learning how to participate in collegial discussions, and use sources to support their ideas and opinions. Students will prepare for and participate in college entrance and placement exams while refining study skills and test-taking, note-taking, and research techniques. They will take an active role in field trip and guest speaker preparations and presentations. Their college research will include financial topics and building their knowledge of colleges and careers of interest.

Supplies to bring every day:

1. Binder, agenda, interactive notebook
2. Pencils, erasers, highlighters, and pens

Grading Policy:

Binder Grade:

Binder Grades are taken every Friday unless Friday is a holiday or Mr. Stewart states there is not a Binder Grade for the week.  If you are absent on Friday the following Tuesday is binder make-up day (no grade deduction for being absent, 20% grade reduction if not an absence).  You are responsible for letting Mr. Stewart know that you need a binder grade.

Tutorial Grades:

• Tutorials are every Tuesday and Thursday.
• Students must have their tutorial request forms (TRFs) completed before the beginning of class. TRFs that are not complete before class will be assessed a reduction on pre-work points (per AVID).
• If a student is absent on Tuesday or Thursday, that student will receive an excuse for that tutorial grade (the student’s grade will not be effected).
• To replace a failing TRF grade, students can use a replacement TRF for another class in which the student attending tutoring for that class and gets the teacher’s signature, however, in the case that it becomes common practice students will lose the option.

Academic Dishonesty:

• Academic dishonesty includes cheating and/or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination.
• Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will receive a grade of zero on any assignment/quiz/test administered.

Electronic Devices:

• Electronic devices are prohibited during teacher instruction, and all phones should be kept inside of their backpack.

Absences:  GOOD ATTENDANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS!

It is YOUR responsibility to get make-up work and turn it in at the correct time.  Missed notes may be copied from another student, or request a copy from the teacher. 

Tardiness:

Class starts at the bell. Please be prepared and ready to start class. As a campus, we believe in bell-to-bell instruction. Be eager to learn, show up early or on time.

Additional Information

Be courteous, considerate, and respectful to others.  Do not interfere with the learning of others.

All School Policies & Consequences will be enforced.  See your student handbook for more details.