2010/2011 DISCLOSURE -9TH GRADE AVID
MS. WALLACE mwallace@graniteschools.org (385) 626-5244 7th period consultation
AVID is a one year elective course which is by application only. This course is designed to help students prepare for and participate in rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The methodologies used are known by the acronym “WICR.” WICR stands for: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reading.
Required Text/Materials: Middle Level Writing with Integrated Reading and Oral Language Student Guide (2007). Students will need to bring a Wasatch student planner and a good quality 2”- 3” 3 ring binder (more on this below) with them to class daily. On tutorial days, they will also be expected to bring their subject area textbook that corresponds to their tutorial question(s).
Grading: Students are expected to come prepared with all materials and a willingness to participate fully. Points are given for preparation and participation, binder checks, tutorials, Cornell notes, SQ3R packets, essays, and in class assignments. The following grading scale is used:
A 94-100% A- 90-93% B+ 86-89% B 83-85% B- 80-82%
C+ 76-79% C 73-75% C- 70-72% D+ 66-69% D 63-65%
D- 60-62% F below 60%
At the conclusion of each day, I post a brief summary of what we did in class and the current assignments on my webpage. You may access this through the school homepage, or by logging on directly to: http://www.teacherweb.com/UT/WasatchJR/Wallace. Grades are posted directly to http://www.gradebook.graniteschools.org.
To allow students to learn from others by both giving and receiving feedback and to assist me in using instructional time as efficiently as possible, I will occasionally have students check/grade one another’s work. Student work samples will also be posted in the classroom. Your signature on this disclosure indicates that you give permission for peer grading and individual work to be posted. This permission is valid for the duration of the course.
*binders- Students will be required to keep a binder containing sections for all academic classes. The student binders are organized to maximize learning in all classes and will be a significant portion of the final grade. The binder must include the following:
1) Five to six colored tab subject dividers to separate each academic class 2) 2 trapper pouches for each academic class (one for h.w. and one for work to be turned in) 3) Zipper pouch to store supplies 4) 2 or more pens 5) 2 or more pencils 6) 1 or more colored highlighters 7) 4 large size dry erase markers 8) Filler paper/single subject notebook for each academic class 9) Sticky reinforcements for punched paper holes 10) Up to date assignment sheet for each academic course.
Binder checks will be done periodically throughout the term. Students will be graded both on overall organization (notes, tests, charts, etc. filed in order by date and subject, no loose pages) and content (thorough class notes, tutorial notes, and up to date assignment sheets with scores posted)
*tutorials - Students will receive a monthly calendar as tutorials follow an A/B schedule. Tutorials are generally facilitated by college students in groups no larger than 6. Two higher level questions per session must be written out on a “tutorial request form” and submitted at the beginning of class. Any student who does not have their questions and materials ready at the start of the period will be marked tardy. If the color coded “tutorial request form” is not used, students automatically lose three points.
*Cornell notes- One page per week per academic class is the minimum standard. Students will be given sample notes for each type of core class and a scoring rubric as part of their direct instruction during the first two weeks of school. Due dates for Cornell notes will be listed on monthly calendars. No partial or late work will be accepted.
*SQ3R packets- SQ3R is a pre-reading strategy that will be assigned for core textbook chapters. Due dates will be listed on monthly calendars and correspond to science, math, social studies, English, and health teachers’ schedules.
*essays- Wasatch students use an online program called MyAccess, which provides immediate, individualized feedback. As long as your child remains in Granite School District, their essays are saved from year to year, providing a nice portfolio of their individual progression as a writer. Of course in addition to the computer feedback and scores, I read and comment on each essay, reserving the right to override computer generated scores. (The computer is fantastic for immediate feedback on spelling, grammar, and providing tools to assist with the writing process, not as useful for monitoring overall style and substance.) Once information is input for this year’s class, I will send a parent letter which includes log in information so that both you and your student can access their work from any computer with internet service.
Homework: Students will be expected to complete homework assignments as outlined on the monthly calendar.
Absences: Please be sure that you send a note any time your student is absent from school. School policy allows students the number of days they are absent, plus one, to complete any make-up work. Assignments given prior to a student’s excused absence are due the first day they return from their absence.
Class Rules/Discipline Philosophy: The one classroom rule is RESPECT—this covers respect for self, others, public, and private property. AVID students have the opportunity to work with many different adults in many different locations throughout the school and community. As such, it is especially critical for them to be good representatives of Wasatch Jr. High and show respect at all times. Those who choose to disregard classroom procedures are subject to consequences which may include loss of privileges, parent conference, after school detention, being placed on AVID probation, or referral to administration.