AVID 9 Syllabus 2013-14
Instructor: Jenny Parker
e-mail: Jennifer.parker@spps.org
web site: http://washington.spps.org/Ms_Parker
Room 1740
Phone: 651-744-1480
Course Description
9th Grade AVID Elective Class
Major Concepts/Content: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic elective course
that prepares students for college readiness and success, and it is scheduled during the regular school day as a
year‐long course. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum
provided by AVID Center, tutor‐facilitated study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. In
AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration,
organization and reading to support their academic growth.
Some students will have previous experience with AVID at the middle grades, and some students will be
experiencing AVID for the first time. Either way, the ninth 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 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 (academic) 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. Their college research will include financial topics and
building their knowledge on colleges and careers of interest.
AVID 9 Standards’ Domains:
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Character Development
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Communication
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Writing
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Inquiry
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Collaboration
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Organization

Reading

College Readiness
Teacher’s Rules and Expectations:
1) The Washington Way is essential for AVID students! Also, ALL SPPS Student Conduct rules apply!
2) Have high expectations for yourself! (Academic, behavioral, personal, athletic, etc.)
3) As per WTM administration: NO cell phones/electronics, backpacks, or hats are allowed in class.
EVER.
4) Believe in a growth mindset – YOUR intelligence is grown and achieved by hard work,
perseverance, and being involved in your classes! Be willing to give the extra effort.
5) As per Ms Parker: Come to class promptly and prepared; don’t cuss in class; please don’t
bring/eat food in class!
Grades/Grading: Grades are determined from formative assessments (20% of your grade) and summative
assessments (80% of your grade) using a Standards Based Grading System:
Proficiency Level
Score Entered
into CAMPUS
Grade book
Exceeds proficiency (Exceeds
standards based learning goal)
4
Proficient (Meets standards based
learning goal)
3
Close to Proficient (Does not meet
standards based learning goal, but
is making progress)
Beginning (Does not meet
standards based learning goal)
No Score Given (No Evidence)
CAMPUS % seen
87.5 – 100
62.5 – 87.49
37.5 – 62.49
25 – 37.49
0 – 24.99
2
1
0
What the word/score means
Student work goes above and beyond the criteria for
meeting the learning goal.
Student work meets the learning goal. It is proficient
work that demonstrates the essential skills and
knowledge of the learning goal.
Student work demonstrates progress toward the
learning goal and is close to demonstrating
proficiency.
Student work demonstrates minimal progress toward
meeting the learning goal.
Student has shown insufficient evidence to gauge
progress toward the learning goal.
Standards Based
Grading Equivalent
3.5 – 4
2.5 – 3.49
1.5 – 2.49
1 – 1.49
<1
CAMPUS Grade
Earned
A-/A/A+
B-/B/B+
C-/C/C+
D-/D/D+
N
Reminders:






As an AVID student, you have agreed to take Cornell Notes in every core class, every day.
As an AVID student, you have agreed to keep a binder that is organized and neat.
As an AVID student, you have agreed to prepare for and participate in tutorials each week.
As an AVID student, you have agreed to keep a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your core classes.
As an AVID student, you have agreed to be an example of what a college bound student looks
like, sounds like, works like, and behaves like in class.
“I have shown this syllabus to my parent/guardian ___________________________.
(PRINT their name)

“I have suggested/requested/helped them contact Ms Parker via e-mail if they have an e-mail account.
Student’s signature: ________________________
Parent’s signature: _______________________