AVID
Department Overview
Mission/ Goals of the Department :
What is AVID?
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a sixth grade through high school program to prepare students in the academic middle with potential for success in rigorous secondary curriculum for four-year college eligibility.
For more information visit AVID Online at http://www.avid.org/
AVID Mission Statement – AVID Center
“AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.”
The current focus of AVID is to…
AVID is designed to increase school wide learning and performance. The focus of AVID is to ensure that all students and most especially the least served students in the middle, capable of completing a college preparatory path, will succeed in rigorous curriculum, will enter mainstream activities of the school, will increase their enrollment in four-year universities and colleges, and will become educated and responsible participants in a democratic society.
AVID is an academic, regularly scheduled elective program based on writing as a tool of learning, inquiry method, and collaborative grouping. The three main components of the program are academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational activities. The goal of AVID is to educate the "whole student." This is achieved by unifying six important elements of education: students, curriculum, faculty, tutors, parents and community.
AVID Curriculum
The AVID curriculum, based on over 30 years of research and rigorous standards, is developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors, and emphasizes teaching pedagogy which focuses on writing-to-learn, inquiry, collaboration and reading for comprehension. This allows college preparatory classes to be accessible to all students.
AVID Requirements:
Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above
Have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard
Regular attendance and minimal discipline problems
Take at least one AP, PreAP or Dual Credit class
Must be a voluntary decision by the student, NOT the parent
Student must complete an application, participate in oral interview and make every effort to attend an AVID information meeting
Doc1.docx
Courses Offered :
AVID I: Some students will have previous experience with AVID in the middle school grades, and some students will be experiencing AVID for the first time. Either way, 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 their awareness of their personal contributions to their learning as well as their involvement in their school and community. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, focusing on personal goals and thesis writing. Students will work in collaborative settings, learning how 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 take an active role 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.
AVID II: During the 10th grade AVID Elective course, students will refine the AVID strategies to meet their independent needs and learning styles. Students will continue to refine and adjust their academic learning plans and goals, increasing awareness of their actions and behaviors. As students increase their rigorous course load and school/community involvement, they will refine their time-management and study skills accordingly. Students will expand their writing portfolio to include analyzing prompts, supporting arguments and claims, character analysis, and detailed reflections. Students will also analyze various documents in order to participate in collaborative discussions and develop leadership skills in those settings. Students will expand their vocabulary use, continuing to prepare for college entrance exams. Text analysis will focus on specific strategies to understand complex texts. Lastly, students will narrow down their colleges and careers of interest based on their personal interests and goals.
AVID III: The 11th grade AVID Elective course is the first part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on writing and critical thinking expected of first- and second-year college students. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID seminar, there are college-bound activities, methodologies, and tasks that should be undertaken during the junior year to support students when they apply to four-year universities and confirm their post-secondary plans.
AVID IV: The 12th grade AVID Elective course is the second part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on the writing and critical thinking expected of first- and second-year college students. Students will complete a final research essay project with research skills gained in their junior year in AVID. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID senior seminar, there are college-bound activities, methodologies, and tasks that should be achieved during the senior year that support students as they apply to four-year universities and confirm their postsecondary plans. All AVID seniors are required to develop and present a portfolio representing their years of work in the AVID program, as well as complete the requirements for the seminar course.
Department Team
AVID Administrator
Dr. Ethel Alsbrooks
Email: ealsbrooks@dallasisd.org
Phone: 972-892-5211
Assistant Principal for Alpha M-Rex
Eng. III/IV/VPA/CTE Junior Class Administrator
AVID Philosophy: "As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that all students are career and college ready. AVID prepares our students to compete globally and operate as creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers in their 21st century career and college choices."
scoggins pic.pdfAVID Coordinator
Mr. Issac Scoggins
Email: iscoggins@dallasisd.org
Phone: (972) 892-5291
Classes: AP Human Geog. and Mexican American Studies
AVID Counselor
Our Faculty
AVID Teacher: Brenely Chavez
Contact Info:
(972) 925-2362
Courses Taught: AVID I, AVID II, College Readiness
Biography:
Ms. Brenely Chavez
"Good day y'all. I'm Ms. Chavez, a second year teacher. Proud to say that I'm a Samuell graduate, and I love that I'm back in my community."
AVID Teacher: Stephanie Gossett
Philosophy: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Contact Info: sgossett@dallasisd.org
972-892-5296
Courses Taught: AVID III, AVID IV, Professional Communications
Biography:
Ms. Gossett worked in the Dallas ISD district for 12 years building and growing her knowledge and skills in order to become a more effective teacher. Being a DTR (Distinguish Teacher Review) teacher for the past three years Ms. Gossett has applied all those skills to get her students into college, military and internships throughout the state. Working with seniors is a passion of hers being on the senior sponsor committee helps to ensure all seniors graduate on time and have the opportunity to excel in life. Ms. Gossett also works to provide community service and scholarship opportunities with her ties to the community. Currently Ms. Gossett is working with the Dallas County Promise Challenge to provide these and more services to all grade levels. “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Montoya pic.docxVazquez pic.docxAVID TA: Brenda Montoya
Philosophy: “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.”
Contact Info: BMONTOYA@dallasisd.org
972-892-5236
Tutoring Courses: AVID I-IV
Biography:
Ms. Montoya has been an AVID TA for the last four years. She was in AVID herself while in high school and believes it teaches and prepares students for their future and life, not just academically. She currently attends UNTDallas and is working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Bilingual Education.
AVID TA: Leticia Brito-Vazquez
Philosophy: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible!”
Contact Info: LEVAZQUEZ@dallasisd.org
972-892-5234
Tutoring Courses: AVID I-IV
Biography:
Ms. Vazquez has worked at Samuell High School for four years as an AVID TA. She joined AVID in high school which she believes shaped her in figuring out her plans for the future. Not only does she work with the AVID programs, but she also has been a sponsor for the Dallas County Promise Challenge where she coached a group of students into placing 4th in the competition. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at UNTDallas, her plans after graduation is to become a Business Teacher to continue helping the youth in her community.
AVID Grade Level Standards, Daily Lessons, Lesson Plan Template
AVID Elective 9th Grade Standards.pdfAVID I 9th-Days 1-30 Lesson Plans Compiled.pdfAVID Elective 10th Grade Standards.pdfAVID Elective 11th Grade Standards.pdfAVID Elective 12th Grade Standards.pdfAVID II 10th-Days 1-30 Lesson Plans Compiled.pdfAVID III 11th-Days 1-30 Lesson Plans Combined.pdfAVID IV Days 1-30 Lesson Plans Compiled.pdfAVID Tutorial Observation and Feedback Tool - Fillable.pdfAVID Elective Classroom Observation Form - Fillable.pdfAVID and Marzono Lesson Plan.docx