Syllabus Periods 6 and 7

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 2009-2010)

Course name and number:

Course name and DoDEA course number

AVID M	6			LAV101
AVID 9		6	LAV301
AVID 10		7	LAV401
AVID 11		7	LAV501
AVID 12		7	LAV601

Teacher name:

John F. F. DuBose MAED-TED

Course Description:

COURSE TITLE: AVID MS/HS	GRADE LEVEL: 6-12
CODE: LAV101/301/401/501/601	COURSE LENGTH: 36 weeks

Major Concepts/Content: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a language arts based curriculum with emphasis on the writing process and writing as a tool of learning. In addition to inquiry and collaboration, AVID also provides students with academic survival skills, i.e., time management, note taking, textbook reading, library research, test taking skills, and study skills. The Cornell note-taking system is taught and students are expected to use this system in all classes.

Major Instructional Activities: AVID is an elective course whose students receive two hours of instruction per week in college level entry skills, two hours per week in tutor lead study groups, and one hour per week in motivational activities and academic survival skills. Field trips are an important aspect of this program.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to maintain a notebook and take notes based on the Cornell note-taking system. Grades will be based on the quality of the notebook and notes, presentations, research, and class participation.

Essential Objectives: The goal of the AVID program is to prepare underrepresented students to enter and be successful in four-year colleges and universities.

Text:

We will utilize all the classroom text books as a basis but we will

Teacher name:

John F. F. DuBose MAED-TED

Contact Information:

Email john.dubose@eu.dodea.edu

Planning period 1^st

Philosophy:

My beliefs and goals about student learning.

Teaching is an art that must be practiced daily Teaching is a science that must me tested daily Teaching is a live that must be lived fully. Learning is the essence of existence Learning is the foundation of all advancement

AVID

The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and most especially students in the middle capable of completing a college preparatory path:

•Will succeed in the most rigorous curriculum,

•Will enter the mainstream activities of the school,

•Will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and
Will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

Materials:

Include the materials that you want your students to have during the course of your class. Binder Contents
The following materials are required:

· 3-ring binder in good condition

· Colored tab subject dividers to separate each academic class

· Zipper puch to store supplies (3-hole punched heavy duty ziplock bags work)

· Two or more pens

· Two or more pencils

· Filler (binder) paper (Cornell note style paper available)

· Assignment calendar for each academic class

· Tutorial logs (to be supplied by AVID teacher)

· Learning logs (to be supplied by AVID teacher)

The following materials are highly suggested:

· One or two trapper pouches (for loose papers)

· One or more colored highlighters

· Notebook dictionary and/or thesaurus

· Calculator

· Six-inch ruler

· Sticky notes

Student binder should be organized in the following manner:

· Binder front cover

· Plastic supply holder

· Binder grading sheet

Each subsequent section in the binder should have these parts in this order:

· Divider

· Calendar/assignment log

· Notes

· Tutorial/learning logs

· Handouts

· Tests

· Blank paper

Grading policy:

Explain how do you determine a student’s grade.

Your grade is determined using the following proportions:

Binder Checks	30%
Tutorials/Learning Logs	20%
SSR/Reading Logs	15%
Writing	15%
Class work Tests/Quizzes	10%
Citizenship	10%

Attendance and effort will be used to determine borderline cases.

DoDDS grading scale:

90 – 100

80 – 89

70 – 79

60 – 69

59 or below

Citizenship grades are also an important part of a student’s academic records, and count as part of the scholarship grade in the form of participation. This means it is essential that you contribute to class discussions and group projects. You must take an active role in the class.

We enforce the school’s tardy policy:

5 unclear tardies lowers your citizenship grade to a B

10 unclear tardies lowers your citizenship grade to a C

15 unclear tardies lowers your citizenship grade to an C

You may clear only one tardy per class per grading period. To clear a tardy you must go to early school and bring me proof that you did so, or serve detention in my classroom. Make sure you get to class on time

Assessment:

HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED

· Increase in grade point average

· bi-Weekly progress reports for each student

· Improvements in writing, test scores, organization and classroom participation

· Acceptance and enrollment four-year universities(Seniors only)

· graduation from SHAPE HS (Seniors only)

Homework:

Homework will be your class assignments work.

Late work policy:

Late work is deducted 5pts automatically

Tutoring/extra help:

Extra Help

I am always happy to help students improve their skills. I am usually available for extra help at lunch and after school. I will also make appointments with you so that we can work around your schedule. I also encourage you to form study groups in all of your classes so that you can work collaboratively outside of school as well.

Classroom management:

Classroom Expectations Be prompt. Be prepared. Be polite

Our rule is that you respect everyone’s individuality and learning at all times. All SHAPE American High School rules will also be enforced.

Rewards for meeting the above expectations include: positive call home, snacks, etc.

Consequences for not meeting the above expectations include: verbal warning, loss of participation points, student-teacher conference, seat change, detention, call to parents/guardians, and conference with parent/guardian, and/or referral.

RULES AND EXPECTATIONS: First, allow me to repeat to each one of you the word, “EXPECTATIONS”. In other words, NO TOLERANCE! You are expected to adhere to the following rules:

1. Be on time, seated at your desk, ready to learn.

2. Bring materials everyday!

3. Be courteous and respectful to others AT ALL TIMES!

4. NO food or drink allowed in the classroom at any time! * Except water.

SUBSTITUTE / GUEST SPEAKER / VISITOR PROCEDURES: If I am absent for any reason and a substitute teacher is filling in for me on ANY given day, or we have a guest speaker or visitor, you are EXPECTED to give that guest superior behavior! Above and beyond that which you give me! Here are some FACTS about “sub days”:

1. 1. Substitutes will have a list of class rules and punishments

2. 2. Substitutes will know about the Bathroom Pass procedures.

3. 3. Substitutes will leave me a note in regards to how the class behaved along with the names of any GOOD and BAD students.

DO NOT TRY ME ON THIS ONE! Guests in this classroom need to be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy!

Content outline:

AVID is an educational program dedicated to helping students in the middle reach college and succeeds therein. The AVID student, parents, teachers, and tutors work together to ensure success in rigorous academic courses. AVID is of family of students that work for a common goal: High School Success and College acceptance! AVID also helps students become educated and responsible participants and leaders in our democratic society.

We will be focusing on several skills as follows:

Organization: Maintaining an organized binder; using reading logs, assignment sheets, and planners; prioritizing academics and creating portfolios.

Inquiry: Critical thinking and problem solving, questioning techniques, and test taking skills.

Writing: Cornell note taking, reflective writing, expository writing.

Goal Setting: Exploring college and career options, meeting academic requirements for each.

Communication: Technical and computer skills, oral communication, making presentations, STAR reading test.

These skills will be taught through student-centered activities. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we will generally practice the above skills through activities such as writing newsletters, reading about current events, researching colleges and careers, going on field trips, hosting guest speakers, debating controversial topics, and reviewing the AVID binders On Tuesdays and Thursdays we will generally reinforce the AVID skills through tutorials. In tutorials, students will work collaboratively and with trained tutors in their other subject areas.

Additional information:

This might include special events, safety rules, special assignments, schedules, teacher expectations, extra credit, exit tests, AP exam expectations, calendars of events, etc

EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit is ALWAYS available. (And is MANDATORY in other classes.)

Examples:

1. Attend any extracurricular activity. (Dances, athletic events, etc.)

2. Decorate the room. (Posters, drawings, etc.) They must be appropriate!

3. Plus more to come…