Mt. Pleasant High School

AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination

The AVID program is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. Its mission is that all students, and most especially the least served students in the middle capable of completing a college-preparatory path:

·       Will succeed in the most rigorous curriculum

·       Will enter mainstream activities of the school

·       Will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and

·       Will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.  

The focus of the AVID program is to help under-served students meet the requirements necessary for enrollment in a four-year university after high school.  As the name indicates the success of the program depends primarily on the commitment and motivation of the students. AVID students enroll in rigorous college preparatory courses and in an AVID elective class.  AVID is a four-year program that offers in-class college and career counseling, personal mentoring, and opportunities for service learning, cultural awareness, and leadership development.  Twice weekly, students have intensive academic study and tutoring in class.  Our goal is to give our students the academic tools they need to succeed in Honors/AP classes once they are in the 11^th and/or 12^th grades.

We encourage our AVID students to form a community of support based on mutual respect.  Older AVID students serve as role models and mentors to younger students.  AVID is for students who are serious about succeeding in high school. 

Although all students are welcome to join AVID, the program targets students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

·       First generation college students

·       Students historically under-served in the university systems

·       Students in the middle: neither Gate/Honors nor At-risk students.

·       Low-income students

All AVID students make the commitment to follow the following sequence of classes:

*This sequence of courses may vary depending on the courses a student takes in the summer.

AVID 2 (10^th grade)

The AVID 2 class continues to reinforce those skills learned in AVID 1.   Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reading continue to be stressed.  The AVID 2 class week continues to be structured in the same manner as the previous year.  The 10^th grade AVID student is expected to start taking responsibility for his/her own learning by monitoring his/her progress in class, and by assuming leadership positions in the class and in the school community.  AVID 2 students are required to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in October. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AVID I, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and enrollment in courses fulfilling the UC/CSU "a-g" requirements. * New students may enter the AVID program as sophomores with the AVID Coordinator's approval, a minimum GPA of 2.0 and concurrent enrollment in courses fulfilling the UC/CSU "a-g" requirements.

AVID 3 (11^th grade)

AVID 3 is a continuation of the AVID program.  The junior AVID students continue to improved the skills acquired in the previous years by writing essays in various discourse modes and by applying these skills to timed writing, which prepare them for the college English placement exams.  The students will also begin narrowing their university choices by researching those colleges that best suit their needs and interests.  AVID 3 students are required to take the PSAT in October and the SAT second semester. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AVID 2, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and enrollment in courses fulfilling the UC/CSU "a-g" requirements. ·       New students may enter the AVID program as juniors with the AVID Coordinator's approval, a minimum GPA of 2.0 and concurrent enrollment in courses fulfilling the UC/CSU "a-g" requirements.

AVID 4 (12^th grade)

The AVID Senior Seminar is the culmination of a student's years in the AVID program, and the course involves substantial critical reading and writing, preparation for external exams such as Advanced Placement, and weekly Socratic Seminars.  Students enrolled in the Senior Seminar are required to complete weekly timed writings and analytical discourses in subjects across the curriculum.  In addition, students are required to make oral presentations to the class on topics related to college entrance, contemporary issues, and social concerns.  As with all AVID courses, the Senior Seminar features tutors, college students who lead discussions and analysis of the academic subjects in which students are enrolled.  Students will be required to apply to four-year universities, private scholarships, and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

 Prerequisite: Successful completion of AVID 3, enrollment in courses fulfilling the UC/CSU "a-g" requirements, one of which must be an Honors or AP course.

AVID TEACHERS

	MERCADO, JACOB		Teacher
	PEDROZA, LINDSAY		Teacher
	Walter, Gary		Teacher
	WOU, RON		Teacher