Her World Conference 3/28/12

On Wednesday 3/28/12 young women of AVTEACH attended the Her World Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center sponsored by DeVry University.  The students had the opportunity to hear from a variety of guest speakers who shared about careers in the fields of science and math that are often considered "non traditional" career pathways for women.   Students also had the opportunity to hear from Shaun Robinson the actress, television personality and current weekend host of Access Hollywood and to have a chance to win an autographed copy of her new book "Exactly As I Am".  The key note speaker was the actress Tamera Mowry who encouraged the young women in attendance to work hard, always give their best effort, and never give up on their goals.

Field Trip to UCLA 3/5/12

On Monday 3/5/12 10th Grade AVTEACH students toured the UCLA campus and were able to participate in a discussion regarding the teacher preparation program.  Students were provided with valuable information as well as an opportunity to ask questions.  The students especially enjoyed getting to experience "life on campus" for the day as they ate lunch in the Ackerman Union area.  Many students commented how they could see themselves as a student at UCLA in the future.

A.V. Higher Education Consortium Symposium 2/11/12

On February 11th, 2012, AVTEACH Co-Coordinators were exhibitors at the Antelope Valley Higher Education Consortium Parent and Student Symposium at the Antelope Valley ROP Center. At this annual event, students and parents were able to attend workshops on various career and college readiness topics. We were also able to attend a presentation from an informative and entertaining keynote speaker, Mr. Logan Olds the VVWRA General Manager, to learn about a fast growing industry sector.  For more on Antelope Valley Regional Occupational Progams please see:  http://www.avrop.avhsd.org/

Field Trip To CSUB AV Campus 2/6/12

On Monday 2/6/12, 10th Grade AVTEACH students took a field trip to visit the California State University Bakersfield Antelope Valley Campus. We were provided with a very informative and engaging presentation by Dr. Deegan, Dr. Cervi, Dr. Frye, Dr. Schultz, Dr. Petit and Ms. Conners about the degree and teaching credential programs offered as well as what types of careers each type of degree can be applied to. Students were also provided with information about the value of a college education and were encouraged to continue their education beyond high school. Ms. Frazier provided a tour of the campus as well as a packet of information that students could take home. Several students commented that the information they received today was very useful and they really enjoyed their visit to the CSUB AV campus

Field Trip to High Tech High in San Diego, CA 2/3/12

On Friday 2/3/12 students, teachers, and a counselor from AVTEACH took a field trip to visit High Tech High School in San Diego, CA. Students toured the three campuses of High Tech High, High Tech High International, and High Tech High Media and Arts. We observed many innovative teaching and learning strategies including project based learning. Our student tour guides were very informative and answered the many questions that the AVTEACH students had. The AVTEACH students were very curious to find out more about the unique approach that High Tech High uses to support learning. We all very impressed with the design of the campuses and the displays of student created art everywhere

AVTEACH Collaboration Meeting 1/11/12

An AVTEACH Collaboration Meeting was held on 1/11/12. Attendees included academy teachers and counselors. Several items were discussed including:

• Student interventions: Every current academy student is provided with a mentor which commits to either weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the student (depending on the need for more intensive interventions). Individual action plans are developed and monitored to provide support for each student based on their individual needs.
• Fieldtrips: A field trip has been confirmed for students enrolled in Introduction to Education to tour High Tech High School in San Diego, CA. Future field trips include academy students visiting the campuses of UCLA and Cal State University Bakersfield Antelope Valley (CSUB AV) in the Spring of 2012.
• Fundraisers: Academy Co-Coordinators will be attending a workshop next week on strategic fundraising in order to work towards raising funds to enrich the academy. One specific area we want to fund is being able to cover student fees to join Future Teachers of America, a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). CTSOs enable students to achieve high academic and occupational standards, link school-based learning to the real world of work and family, and enhance student self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Recruitment for the 2012-13 school year: The AVTEACH Academy is anticipating growth in student enrollment for next school year as our academy will include 9th, 10th and 11th grade students. A rigorous sequence of classes was discussed and will be shared in a future blog

Salute To Youth 2011

Students and teachers from the AVTEACH Academy participated as exhibitors in the annual Salute To Youth event on September 23, 2011. Several students from the Introduction to Education class volunteered their time to speak with fellow high school and middle school students to share about their enthusiasm for the field of education and the new pathway that is being developed at Antelope Valley High School. One of our students was interviewed by the Antelope Valley Press at the event and was quoted as saying "I'm having a good time". Several students from across the district and the Antelope Valley signed up on an informal interest list indicating their interest in being able to enroll in AVTEACH classes.   For more on Salute to Youth please see:  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/Features/youth_career_day.html