1. What is AVID Elementary? Vision - All students will have access to a path of success. Mission - To ensure all students will: – Demonstrate writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading skills – Utilize organization skills – Develop self-reflective skills – Become responsible for their own learning and success – Successfully make the transition to middle school – To close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Purposes – To cultivate intrinsic motivation by creating a vision of academic success, and creating a belief that academic rigor is expected, possible, and attainable. When all of this is in place, positive self-esteem and self-confidence will follow. – To create better students and teachers through the development of a consistent way to think and process information. – To provide equal access to AVID Elementary methods for ALL students. – To create a bridge between elementary and middle school.

2. AVID Elementary Framework and Areas of Focus Organization –Agendas, organizational tools, note-taking strategies WICOR –Writing to learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading to learn Student Success Skills –Communication skills (writing, speaking, listening), study skills, time management, goal setting, SLANT, STAR note taking, accountability, responsibility, effective reading strategies for comprehension Partnerships –District, school, home, community

3. What is AVID? AVID is an acronym for: Advancement Via Individual Determination It is a program that has been used in middle and high schools across the nation, since 1980. It is a class that students can take, beginning in the 6 th. However, the AVID strategies have begun to trickle down to the elementary schools and is being implemented here for the 3 rd year, at STES, for our 4 th and 5 th graders!

4. High Expectations! -organized -focused -rigorous curriculum -independent worker/thinker -critical thinking -self-disciplined What does AVID mean for 4 th graders?

5. Usage of a Planner! -goal-setting -planning ahead -prioritizing -being responsible for assignments; not dependent on parent/teacher

6. Note-Taking Skills and use of an Organizational Tool! -organizing information -practicing neat handwriting -learning how to study -using notes as a resource/reference

7. Levels of Thinking/Questioning! -helps students understand different types of questions -helps students with End of Grade Testing

8. What is “WICOR”? WRITING ORGANIZATION -Reflection Tools -Goal setting - Journals -Binder - Steps of the writing process -Time management - Learning log -Agenda/Planner -Organizational Tool -Note-taking Strategies INQUIRY -Two and three column notes -Levels of Thinking and Questioning - Critical-thinking skills - Cross-curricular connections READING - Reading to learn - Key comprehension strategies COLLABORATION -Learning logs -Group roles and projects -Reflections -Cooperative learning -Think alouds -Graphic organizers

9. What is “SLANT”? S= Sit with proper posture – So you will pay better attention to lessons, and interact more in classroom discussions and activities. L= Lean forward and listen – This will indicate you are interested in the lesson and listening to the information being presented. A= Ask pertinent questions – Asking meaningful questions will help you and your classmates understand the lesson better. N= Nod your head yes and no with sincerity – This is a form of non-verbal communication to indicate your understanding of the lesson or material. T= Talk with teachers – Confirm your understanding, check grading discrepancies, and obtain assignments after and absence.

10. What is “Star Note Taking”? S = Set up your paper In fourth grade we write our name, student number, and date at the top of every paper. There should also be a title for the notes. We also use a two or three column note-taking format, depending on the subject. T = take notes Write important information neatly. A = after class Reread your notes, highlight important information, and identify the main ideas. R = review notes After class, weekly, and before a test.

11. Supplies for Success Organizational Tool/BINDER Year-long agenda/daily planner Tool bag (zippered pouch) -Pencils, pens, sticky notes, highlighter 3-hole punched loose-leaf paper

12. Classroom Partnerships Teacher’s Responsibilities: Student’s Responsibilities: -Consistent expectations -Personal ownership -Organized lessons-Best effort -Weekly schedule-Maintain updated agenda -Purposeful lessons -Arrive at school -Arrive at work “prepared to learn” “prepared to teach” -Complete work

13. Family Responsibilities Ask specific questions about school Sign the agenda nightly Reinforce the agenda at home -Doctor’s appointments, family events, sports Support homework blocks Make school your child’s “job” Celebrate short-and long-term goals Review homework assignments, upon completion. Provide a good study area. Talk with your child about upcoming projects and/or tests. Help your student study from their notes. Ask them to rewrite their notes and/or assignments, if they are illegible! Read all letters and communication from the teacher and the school.