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 survival skills. The course emphasizes collaborative discussion strategies, tutorial inquiry study groups, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, college study skills and test‐taking strategies, note‐taking, and research.In addition to the academic focus of the AVID senior seminar, there are college‐bound activities, methodologies and tasks that should be achieved during the senior year that support students as they apply to four‐year universities and confirm their post-secondary plans. All AVID seniors are required to develop and present a portfolio representing their years of work in the AVID program, as well as complete the requirements for the seminar course.

Mission Statement

“AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.”

The course will emphasize collaborative discussion, tutorial inquiry study groups, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, college study skills and test-taking strategies, note taking and research.

In other words, the RBHS AVID student’s mission is to:

- Succeed in a rigorous curriculum,
- Enter mainstream activities of the school,
- Strive for Honors and AP coursework,
- Apply and gain admission to a 4 – year college, and
- Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

Even though this is not a traditional space, this is a classroom. Students are expected to abide by the rules of the Poway Unified School District. This includes:

Participation: In order to truly benefit from being in the AVID Program, you need to actively participate. Plan on working every day, Monday - Friday, just as if you were at school. You will be required to check-in daily via zoom, turn in an assignment and/or complete an assessment, etc. You cannot fall behind as the submission dates for work and collaborative projects are not flexible.

Responsibility: Virtual courses can be challenging since you are not in a traditional classroom. You are expected to meet the deadlines just as in a classroom. Your Canvas calendar will have all posted due dates. You must meet ALL deadlines. College admissions, high stakes assessments, coursework, and scholarships have stern deadlines so keep track as they won't accept anything late. For this course, any conflicts, absences or problems should be cleared with the teacher as soon as possible before any deadline.

Academic Honesty: All students must adhere to the PUSD Academic Honesty Policy. Infractions will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action according the the PUSD guidelines and California Education Code.

Stable Support Time: Each teacher will have the opportunity to meet with students one-on-one, small groups or hold parent-teacher conferences on M/W/F. Tuesdays and Thursday will be used for office hours. Please join us via zoom on Tuesday and/or Thursday as needed for extra help. Please let your teacher know if you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual conference.

Teacher Communication: Your teacher will be available for questions by email. During school hours expect a response within 1 hour, after school hours a response within 24 hours, and weekends a response within 48 hours.

Zoom Protocols: Please log in to our daily zoom meetings promptly as attendance will be taken at the beginning of your scheduled period. You will placed in the waiting room and only allowed into the Zoom Session if your screen name states your first and last name. Turn on your cameras so we can see your happy face. Keep your audio on mute when not speaking. Minimize distractions in your environment. Do not watch videos, listen to music, or use other applications (other than note taking apps) while attending class. Remember that the dress code applies just as if you were in a regular classroom. PARTICIPATE! If you would like to use the chat box, remember that it is public and a record of the chat is kept and archived.