AVID NECESSITIES

In order to be successful in AVID, students need to come to class daily with the following things

Each AVID student carries a binder in which he or she is required to keep materials from all academic classes. Students keep track of assignments on assignment sheets and are required to take DAILY notes in all academic classes. The notebooks are graded weekly for content and organization by adult tutors. Led by tutors, students participate in tutorial groups in the AVID classroom. In addition, students are taught study skills, test preparation, time management, and the writing process. Teachers fill out periodic progress reports for monitoring by the AVID coordinator/teacher.

 

AVID tutors are adults (possible parent hours) who receive training in methodologies used in AVID: writing process, Socratic questioning, collaborative learning, and reading. They are in the classroom weekly to serve as models and to help students achieve success in rigorous classes. They are trained not to give students answers but rather to guide them toward answers.

Communication between the AVID coordinator/teacher and the parent(s) is essential. We will contact you to share your student’s progress, and appreciate any information you share with us. At home, parents can see to it that students are doing their homework in a quiet place with few interruptions. By asking your student about his/her day, and inquiring about homework and the events of school, you will bridge what could be a great gap between his/her school life and home life. When the two are connected, successes increase. In addition, stressing your belief that your student can succeed in middle school, high school, and attend college will also motivate him/her to work harder and achieve more. Throughout the year, we will host Family Workshops, which will address topics of concern relating to student success in middle school and preparation for high school and college.