The AVID Elective

What is a Tutorial?

The AVID Elective is the core of AVID. It targets students in the academic middle–B, C, and even D students–with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college and come from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.

AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for them, such as Honors and Advanced Placement^®. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams a reality.

GRADING POLICY:
40%  Tutorials
20%  Binder/Grade Checks
20%  Classwork
20%  Projects

All students must arrive at the tutorials prepared with pre-work completed and specific questions written in a Tutorial Request Form (TRF). Small group tutorial sessions are held twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, during the AVID elective class. During tutorials, the AVID elective class is divided into several tutorial groups. Under the direction and supervision of the AVID elective teacher, an AVID-trained tutor facilitates the discussion and work at each group. 

What is the purpose of tutorials?
* Create deeper understanding of concepts covered in core content class
* Develop skills necessary to become self-directed learners.     

What are the goals of the tutorial process?
* To push each other's thinking. AVID tutorials use an inquiry process.
* Tutors do not give the answers. They facilitate the groups' learning process.
* Tutors don't teach the answers. They ask more questions. This is called the Socratic method.

Do you want to be in AVID? 

• You will participate in tutorials with college tutors twice a week. You will be responsible for preparing questions as homework (TRF).
•  You will have weekly binder checks to make sure you are keeping organized and taking notes in your other classes. You WILL have to take notes in all of your classes. You WILL have to write in your planner EVERY day.
•  AVID is a demanding class. Only the motivated succeed. If you are absent a lot and not willing to put in the work, AVID is not for you. AVID is all about effort.
•  You will have weekly grade checks to make sure you are aware of your grades and missing assignments.
•  We go on field trips to colleges so you can see what college is really like.
•  If college is your goal, AVID will get you there!