AVID is an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. This is a rigorous, academic course that demands self-discipline, good study habits, and a constant reassessment of goals. As an AVID student, you must be willing and determined to do what is required of you to remain in the program. Ultimately AVID will help you acquire skills and a knowledge base necessary to be successful in college, your career, and moreover, in life.

Goals for this year:

• you will learn good study skills, listening skills, reading skills, note-taking skills and public speaking skills

• you will develop college level writing skills

• you will practice good organizational habits

• you will learn proper researching techniques and skills

• you will prepare for college entrance exams

• you will gain an in-depth, working knowledge of colleges and careers so that you are able to make informed decisions about your future

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Course Guidelines

Materials Needed:

You will need the following items for this class. They are to be with you every day:

• pens & pencils

• extra erasers

• pencil holder

• post-its (package of 3 or more)

• highlighters (assorted colors)

• white-out

• 3 inch 3 ring loose-leaf binder

• loose-leaf paper and reinforcements

• subject dividers

• Cornell note paper (provided for you)

• a homework planner (provided for you)

AVID Binder:

You will set up your AVID binder according to the AVID guidelines. We will review these guidelines and do it together in class. It is your responsibility to have your AVID binder with you for all of your classes, every day, and take appropriate, accurate and neat notes. Using the binder as instructed is a crucial part of this course. If you have a problem with your binder at any point throughout the year, please let me know and I will help you resolve the problem.

Grading Policy:

Your quarterly grades will be based on a total points system. Your average will be calculated by dividing the number of points you earned by the maximum number of possible points. For example, if you earned 235 points out of 260 points, your grade would be 90% (or an A-).

Classwork:

Classwork is to be completed on time. You are expected to make good use of your time and work efficiently and diligently during class. If you do not complete your class work within the time given in class, you may have to finish it for homework. If your work is not handed in when it is collected or in the classroom when it is checked, you will receive a zero for the assignment. However, I will accept late work for half credit. If it is 5 or more days overdue, you will receive a zero.

Assessments and Projects:

All assessments and projects must be handed in on or before the due date. For each day that an assignment is late, you will drop a full grade (NOTE: You will be penalized for every school day that an assignment is late). I will not accept work after five school days, and you will receive a zero for the assignment.

Community Service:

You are required by AVID to complete five hours of community service per quarter.

Academic Integrity:

As an AVID student, you are expected to practice good academic integrity. That means that your work must always come from your own original ideas. Your English teachers will discuss the Academic Integrity Policy in your English class. You are expected to follow those same guidelines in this class.

Classroom Rules:

• Courteous behavior is expected always. Disrespect to anyone will not be tolerated. This includes talking while someone else is speaking.

• Disruptive behavior is unacceptable.

• Using a cell phone or any other electronic device without permission (including headphones/earbuds) is prohibited during our assigned class time.

• Come to class prepared and on time every day. Please be in your assigned seat with your materials ready at the bell.

• If we/you are remote at any point throughout the year, enter our Google Meet with your camera on and your mic muted. Be sure to have all your materials with you.

Absences:

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to email me at mamodeo@sufferncentral.org and I will help you navigate through the material and work you missed. You must also check Google Classroom for the latest updates. Please note: you may email me if you need help with anything throughout the year. Do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to help! I am also available during unit lunch in the English Office, room 111, on most days, so you may also come and see me then if necessary.