AVID 9

Fall Semester

Unit Title

The AVID Foundation & Culture: 
Transitioning to High School Success

Developing Academic Agency: 
Ownership of the Learning Process

Time

9 weeks

9 weeks

Understandings

• ; introduction to the Planner/Agenda; mastering the Cornell Note format (Setup and Notes).
• Learning the 10 Steps of the Tutorial Process; drafting the first Tutorial Request Forms (TRFs).
• Establishing classroom "Family" norms; developing a "Growth Mindset."
• Creating "GPA and MP Goals" and identifying "Academic Strengths and Weaknesses."

• Moving to the "Reflection" and "Summary" phases of Cornell Notes; using notes for test prep.
• Understanding the Costa’s Levels of Inquiry; practicing writing Level 2 and 3 questions for TRFs.
• Introduction to "Marking the Text" and "Numbering Paragraphs" in short non-fiction articles.
• Analyzing "Time Wasters"; creating weekly study schedules.

Ongoing Activities

• Monday/Wednesday: AVID Curriculum (Organization, Reading, Writing Lessons).
• Tuesday/Thursday: Tutorials (Heavy focus on the "Process" and TRF quality).
• Friday: Teambuilding,Organizational Tools Checks, and Learning Logs.

Spring Semester

Unit Title

The Power of Collaboration: 
Learning Together through Rigor

Reflection & Future Mapping: 
Closing the 9th Grade Chapter

Time

9 weeks

9 weeks

Understandings

• Introduction to Philosophical Chairs and Socratic Seminars; learning to disagree respectfully.
• Introduction to the Research Process: citing sources (MLA) and identifying credible websites.
• Exploring the differences between 2-year and 4-year colleges; local college "Scavenger Hunts."
• Performing a "Me in a Box" or "Personal Artifact" speech to build confidence.

• Organizing the 9th Grade ePortfolio; writing reflections on the first year of high school.
• Introduction to the purpose of college entrance exams (PSAT 8/9).
• Group service-learning project; understanding the importance of "The Well-Rounded Student."
• Setting SMART goals for 10th-grade course selection (Honors/Advanced).

Ongoing Activities

• Monday/Wednesday: AVID Curriculum (Organization, Reading, Writing Lessons).
• Tuesday/Thursday: Tutorials (Heavy focus on the "Process" and TRF quality).
• Friday: Teambuilding, Organizational Tools Checks, and Learning Logs.