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Saint Paul, MN 55104
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Course syllabus
Sophomore AVID Elective Course Syllabus
2010/2011

Instructor: Josh Hirman

What is AVID?
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an in-school academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success. It places students in advanced classes and uses caring teachers, college tutors, peer groups, and a unique curriculum to give students the skills they need to succeed.

Course Description and Structure
AVID, which meets five hours per week, is an elective course that prepares students for entrance into four-year colleges. There is an emphasis on writing, study skills and test taking, note taking, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, and research.

Students receive two hours of instruction per week in college entry skills, such as time management, taking effective notes, organizing their notebook, and working collaboratively with others. Students are expected to maintain an organized binder, including an assignment planner, class and textbook notes, assignments, and homework, which is graded regularly.

On tutorial days, which take place two hours per week, students work with college tutors. These tutors assist students in small groups with academic questions that students bring to tutorial. Students are required to take notes during tutorial and use class and textbook notes to inform their discussions during tutorial. Tutors help students with the process of learning through inquiry, rather than giving students the answers to their questions. Students will learn the value of working with others in tutorials.

Students also participate in motivational activities one hour per week. These activities include college and career research, college and career outreach speakers, field trips to colleges and businesses, and other educational opportunities in Twin Cities communities. These activities will provide students with the resources they need for learning about the many positive opportunities available to them in the community that will impact their future.


Objectives of the Course
1.    Students will take courses that meet four-year college entrance
       requirements.
2.    Students will participate in tutorials for academic courses.
3.    Students will learn and apply AVID skills including note taking,
       organization, time management, and goal setting.
4.    Students will improve their thinking and oral communication skills
       through a variety of activities, including presentation and Socratic
       Seminar.
5.    Students will participate in writing for note taking, learning logs, and
       essay writing.
6.    Students will learn to evaluate their own ideas and writing and that of
       others.
7.    Students will prepare for college entrance examinations.

AVID Materials
Students will be required to maintain an organized notebook. This includes organizers, folders, planners, pens/pencils, rulers, and calculators. They will receive a list of other required materials as well. The major textbooks are AVID Strategies for Success and AVID High School Writing. Students will also receive a variety of readings and handouts.

Assessments
AVID students will be assessed using a variety of performance-based assessments. They will be judged not only on the AVID “basics” such as a well-organized notebook, participation in tutorials, and note taking, but also according to their performance on timed writings, practice college entrance tests, participation in Socratic Seminars, and other activities. Students will develop and present a portfolio at the end of the year, representing their work in the AVID program.

Contact Information

Mr. Josh Hirman
Central High School, Room 4109
email: josh.hirman@spps.org
website: http://central2.spps.org/hirman.html

 

Mail 275 North Lexington Parkway - Saint Paul, MN 55104 • Phone (651) 744-4900 • Fax (651) 293-5433
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St. Paul Public School System, District #625