AVID

 

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ...Thoreau

 

Welcome to the KPHS AVID   

Needed Supplies:

  • A package of regular tab dividers for each academic class (4 core classes, foreign language, health, comm. Apps, etc.)
  • 5 - 6 heavy duty plastic pocket divider tabs to separate each academic class including AVID
  • Best ones I have found are the Avery Big Tab Insertable Plastic Reference Dividers (you can get them at Wal-mart for around $3)
  • Zipper 3 ring pencil bag that goes into your binder (metal holes are the best) to include:
    • 2 or more pens
    • 2 or more sharpened pencils
    • Erasers
    • Highlighters
    • 2 rolls of clear tape
    • Calculator (can go in backpack or purse)
  • Filler paper - enough for each class - we will provide Cornell Note paper when needed
  • 1 ream of printer paper (to be given to AVID teacher during 1st week of school)
  • ALL AVID Students will be provided a 3 ring binder on the first day of school.

*****Please make sure you have any additional supplies required for your other classes*****

 

AVID Binder Overview

Maintaining an AVID binder is a central requirement for students in the AVID elective class, as it has a direct impact on student success in all classes and accounts for major grades in the AVID elective class.  The AVID binder will be graded every other week based on set criteria.  There will also be occasional "spot" checks. 

What is AVID?
  • AVID is an acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
  • AVID is a program designed to prepare students in the "academic middle," who have a willingness to learn and work hard toward attaining lofty academic goals.  
  • AVID students are capable of completing rigorous curricula, but are falling short of their innate potential.  
  • AVID students are placed in more personally challenging course loads supported by specialized tutoring and the AVID elective class.

Why AVID Works

  • AVID accelerates students into more rigorous courses.
  • AVID incorporates the intensive support students need to succeed in rigorous courses.
  • AVID uses Socratic methods and study groups that specifically target the needs of the student.
  • AVID is a school-wide initiative, not a school within a school. AVID works to influence the belief system and culture of the entire school.
  • The role of teacher is redefined from lecturer to advocate and guide. The role of counselor changes to facilitator.
  • All AVID strategies are based on research on tracking and peer influences in student achievement.

The AVID Elective Class

The elective class is the foundation of AVID. Students are enrolled in a college preparatory sequence and in an elective section of AVID where they receive the academic and motivational support to excel. During the AVID class, students are coached by college tutors and work in collaborative groups using a curriculum focused on writing and inquiry.
Other days are devoted to reading, writing, and math preparation and study skills for college entrance and placement exams. Students also receive college level mini-courses taught by college professors, motivational presentations by guest speakers, and field trips to colleges and businesses.

 

AVID Teaching Strategies (WICR)

  • Writing to learn. AVID emphasizes writing in all subjects, with a focus on clarifying and communicating their thoughts and understanding material.
  • Emphasis on inquiry. AVID is based on inquiry, not lecture. Many activities, from Cornell note-taking to tutorial groups, are built around asking questions, which forces students to clarify, analyze, and synthesize material.
  • A collaborative approach. The AVID classroom is not a traditional one in which a teacher lectures to passive students. An AVID teacher is a facilitator and an advocate. But students, not teachers or tutors, are responsible for their learning. Tutors function as discussion leaders, while students challenge, help, and learn from one another.
  • Critical reading. AVID students don't merely read words on a page. They are taught to analyze, question, critique, clarify, and comprehend the material.
  • Mathematics. In AVID, Math instruction has a strong writing and vocabulary/reading component. Mathematicians, like everyone else, write about their ideas, their discoveries, and their understanding of one another's work. Students who attain mastery of mathematics qualify for college entry, college success, and post-college academic and career opportunities.

Working together we will make a difference in the lives of your student.  Please contact me at any time, drop by to visit, call or email.  I am always available to you.

 

It's a great day to be a Panther!

HazelAnne Prescott, Hazelanne.prescott@humble.k12.tx.us  281.641.6632

Zach Harlan, Zach.haralan@humble.k12.tx.us  281-641-6633

Sonya Terry, Sonya.terry@humble.k12.tx.us 281-641-6665