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 the AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities incorporating 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 and their involvement in their school and community. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, personal goals, and thesis writing. Students will work collaboratively, learning 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 actively participate in field trips 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 posted every Friday unless Friday is a holiday or Mr. Stewart states there is no Binder Grade for the week.  You are responsible for letting Mr. Stewart know you need a binder grade.

Tutorial Grades:

• Tutorials are every Wednesday and Friday.
• Students must complete their tutorial request forms (TRFs) before class begins. TRFs that are incomplete before class will be assessed with a reduction in pre-work points (per AVID).
• If a student is absent on Wednesday or Friday, that student will receive an excuse for that tutorial grade (the student’s grade will not be affected).
• To replace a failing TRF grade, students can use a replacement TRF for another class in which the student attends tutoring for that class and gets the teacher’s signature. However, if it becomes common practice, students will lose the option.

Academic Dishonesty:

• Academic dishonesty includes cheating and/or copying another student's work, 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 their backpack.

Absences:  GOOD ATTENDANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS!

You are responsible for getting the make-up work and turning it in at the correct time.  Missed notes may be copied from another student, or the teacher may request a copy. 

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.