AVID September 2014
Post date: Sep 9, 2014 9:16:13 PM
In September's AVID Newsletter you'll find information about VVE's 2-column note-taking, VVMS's AVID Social Contracts; a VVMS Collaboration Activity; ideas for creating a school-wide college-going environment; the Philosophical Chairs Discussion Strategy; AVID Weekly articles and resources, and upcoming AVID Events.
Spotlight on AVID
AVID Social Contracts
Structured Note-Taking
VVM students work collaboratively to develop social contracts representing the elements that are necessary for creating a safe and productive AVID community.
VVE 5th graders use AVID's 2-column note format to organize and record information using all three of Costa's Levels of Thinking.
If These Walls Could Talk...
This video shows a variety of ways to promote and support a college-going environment within our schools.
Collaboration!
VVM AVID students work together to stack cups using only a rubber band and four pieces of string.
AVID Resources
WICOR Strategy of the Month:
Philosophical Chairs
AVID Weekly Article of the Month:
Philosophical chairs is a form of discussion, similar to a debate, that encourages students to choose a stance and defend their opinions. The benefits include the development of students' abilities to give careful attention to other students' comments and to engage in dialogue with one another to gain a greater understanding of the topic being discussed.
- A central statement (typically something controversial) is presented to students.
- Those who agree with the central statement sit on one side of the room and those who disagree sit on the other.
- The teacher remains in the middle of the room as the neutral moderator.
- Someone from the side of the classroom that agrees with the central statement begins the discussion. Next, someone from the other side will respond to the argument.
- In addition to speaking in the discussion, students may express their opinions by moving from one side to the other. Students may move back and forth throughout the discussion at any time.
- A final reflection at the end allows students to process the discussion and showcase their new learning.
You'll find downloadable information on Philosophical Chairs and a preparation template for students to use as they prepare to argue their stance attached below.
Elementary: Penguins in Peril
- This graphic describes various threats to the population of Emperor Penguins.
- It is intended to provide students an opportunity to develop basic reading to learn strategies such as highlighting key points; gathering information from photographs, graphics, and text; and summarizing.
Secondary: Intelligent Machines Raise Real Concerns with Smart People
- This editorial warns of the long-term risks that might accompany the advancements of Artificial Intelligence.
- Students can practice critical reading skills such as circling key terms and underlining examples that support the author's argument, explaining how each particular example proves the author's point, and adding notes that evaluate the effectiveness of the evidence.
All AVID Weekly articles, lesson plans and activities are archived monthly and available in the following Google Folders for anyone to access and use:
AVID Support and Events
Online AVID Support
Daily/weekly elective class lesson plans
Informational/instructional videos, handouts and downloads over many AVID Essentials, including Writing, Inquiry, Tutorials, Data and Site Teams.
A time sensitive support and collaboration forum for AVID Elective Teachers and Site Coordinators, providing an opportunity to collaborate with other coordinators and teachers from all over the country about issues and topics affecting their students and classes right now.
Upcoming AVID Events
Content Area Path Training:
This web meeting allows coordinators and teachers a wide variety of dates and times to choose from to best fits their schedule.
*If you would like access to any of these resources and do not currently have an account on my.Avid.org, contact Kelly Killorn
- This training is designed for content area and AVID elective teachers, administrators and counselors to further their professional learning:
- Cost $445 (register by Oct. 7)
- November 4-5, 2014 in North St. Paul, MN
- Strands to be offered include:
- Leadership for Implementation MS/HS
- Counseling MS/HS
- Advancing the AVID Elective 3
- Tutorology 2
- Critical Reading 1
- Math 1
- Science 1
- Culturally Relevant Teaching: Empowering Students
Tutor Training:
- September 22 and 25 in Roseville, MN
AVID Elective Teacher Workshops:
- October 8, 2014 in Hopkins, MN
- October 9, 2014 in Robbinsdale, MN
- October 28, 2014 in St. Paul, MN
Site Team Workshop:
- November 19, 2014 in Plymouth, MN