WICOR

Writing is a learning tool, a personal and public communication tool, and serves as a record of thinking. Students who write consider audience and purpose, engage in various writing processes to address specific situations, support their thinking, and demonstrate understanding.

Inquiry is uncovering one's understanding, asking critical questions, engaging in thinking, learning and discussion. Students who inquire analyze and synthesize materials or ideas, clarify their own thinking, probe others' thinking, and work through ambiguity. The ability to ask skilled questions is one of the keys to unlocking deeper thinking and understanding of a topic. As students begin to ask higher level questions, they increase retention and understand the relevance of information at a new level.

Collaboration is teamwork with shared responsibility, sharing of ideas, information and opinions, and formal and informal discussion. 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. Collaboration affords students the opportunity to work with peers in various group configurations as they engage subject matter across content areas. While collaborating in small groups students learn to work together to inquire, explore, and answer questions. They become better listeners, thinkers, speakers, and writers; they discover ideas and remember them because they are actively involved.

Organization is managing materials and practicing methodical study habits, planning and prioritizing school, work and social tasks, engaging in mental preparation and goal-setting, and strategically and intentionally taking responsibility for one's own learning. Students who organize develop and use processes, procedures and tools to study effectively, manage their time through prioritizing and goal-setting, are prepared for courses, participate during instruction and interact with instructors, and self-direct, self-evaluate, self-monitor and self-advocate. AVID schools support students in organizing their materials and resources so students have at hand the materials necessary to study for quizzes and tests and to finish homework assignments each night at home. One of the most important tools for academic success is the ability to keep materials and assignments organized.

Reading is strategically gaining meaning, understanding and knowledge from print and other media, purpose-driven, and interactive. Students who read understand text structures, apply prior knowledge and make connections to other text, self and world, made predictions and ask questions, and create visual images as they read. The ability to read and comprehend is one of the most important skills for students in any grade level, but it is especially important at the postsecondary level. AVID believes that all teachers should work with their students in reading skills and fluency.