AVID is…
An acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual
Determination
An in-school academic support program for grades 5-12
that prepares students for college eligibility and success
Places academically average students in advanced
classes
Levels the playing field for minority, rural,
low-income and other students without a college-going tradition in their
families
For all students, but it targets those in the academic
middle
Implemented school-wide and district-wide
AVID isn’t…
Isn’t a remedial program
Isn’t a free ride
Isn’t a niche program
Isn’t a college outreach program
Why AVID works…
AVID confronts a fundamental systemic issue American education must
face; the de facto tracking that tends to keep low income and minority students
out of college preparatory programs and that results in lower levels of
academic achievement. Research has
demonstrated that AVID offers an effective way to address these problems
because:
AVID accelerates under-achieving students into more
rigorous courses, instead of consigning them to dead-end remedial programs.
AVID incorporates the intensive support students need
to succeed in rigorous courses.
AVID uses Socratic methods and study groups that
specifically target the needs of under-achieving students.
AVID is a school-wide initiative, not a school within
a school. AVID works to influence the
belief system and culture of the entire school.
The role of teacher is redefined from lecturer to
advocate and guide. The role of
counselor changes from gate-keeper to facilitator.
Each AVID site team is based on the notion that the
success of students is a shared responsibility.
Teaching Strategies
AVID utilizes WICR in all of its classes:
Writing to learn
Emphasis on Inquiry
A Collaborative approach
Critical
Recruiting Students
AVID targets students who are only getting average grades but who have
the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program. Selection criteria include:
Ability
o
Are the students getting B’s and C’s but are capable
of more?
o
Can they succeed in college preparatory courses with
support?
Desire and Determination
o
Do they want to attend college?
o
Are they willing to work hard to get there?
Membership in an underserved group
o
Are they in a low-income household?
o
Will they be the first in their family to attend
college?
o
Are they historically unlikely to attend college?