The learning model known as WICOR is used to focus on teaching the methodologies in the areas of Writing to Learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to Learn.  The idea is to give students the techniques needed to comprehend concepts and articulate ideas at complex levels.

Writing is a learning tool, a record of thinking, and a personal and public communication tool.  Students who write consider the audience and purpose, engage in various writing processes to address a variety of specific situations, support their thinking, and demonstrate their understanding.  AVID students practice their writing skills through learning logs, quickwrites, reflections, process writing, peer evaluations. authentic writing, taking notes, and summarizing information.

Inquiry is the ability to uncover one's understanding, ask critical questions, and engage in thinking, learning, and discussion.  Students who inquire analyze and synthesize new concepts, clarify their own thinking, probe the thinking of others, and work through ambiguity.   AVID students improve their ability to inquire through learning skilled questioning techniques and Costa's Levels of Thinking.  Students will also practice inquiry through Socratic seminars, philosophical chairs. tutorials, investigations, and guiding questions.

Collaboration is teamwork with shared responsibility, sharing of ideas, information, and opinions through both formal and informal discussions.  Students who collaborate work together toward a common goal, develop positive interdependence, work in focused study groups, and support the learning of others through inquiry.  AVID students work on collaboration through different group activities and projects such as Socratic seminars, philosophical chairs, tutorials, peer editing groups, service learning projects, and general teambuilding.  

Organization is strategically and intentionally taking responsibility for one's own learning by managing materials and practicing methodical study habits, planning and prioritizing school, work, and social tasks, and engaging in mental preparation and goal-setting.  Students who organize develop and use processes, procedures, and tools to study effectively, manage their time through prioritizing and goal-setting, prepare for class, participate during instructions and discussions, interact with instructors and peers, and self-direct, self-evaluate, self-monitor, and self-advocate.  AVID students improve their organizational skills by using binders or ebinders, calendars, planners, and agendas to organize their materials and manage their time.  Students use a focused note-taking system, graphic organizers, tutorials, and study groups to organize their ideas.  Students use project planning and SMART goals to check their progress.  

Renner AVID students will be using an ebinder this year to keep all materials organized.  Students should always have all materials necessary in order to complete assignments and projects, process notes, and study for quizzes and tests.

Reading is strategically gaining meaning, understanding, and knowledge from print and other medial.  It is purpose-driven and interactive.  Students who read understand text structures, apply knowledge and make connections to other texts, self, and the world.  They make predictions and ask questions as well as create visual images as they read.  AVID students improve their reading skills by learning deep reading strategies, taking notes and creating graphic organizers as they read, build a strong vocabulary, and summarize what they understood.  One of the most important skills at any level is the ability to read.