Breaking Down AVID: The GIST of the Program

ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION NOTES: [L. avidus]: eager for knowledge I-3

AVID Mission Statement AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

AVID: 35 Years of Success For over 35 years, AVID has become one of the most successful college-preparatory programs ever for underserved students, and today reaches more than 1,000,000 students in nearly 4,500 schools in 47 states, the District of Columbia and across 16 other countries/territories.

How Is AVID Set Up? - They have to apply to be in the program. Once their application is reviewed, they go through an interview. - Most beneficial when students stay in for all four years, but we do have students who have been in since sophomore year. - The students have the same AVID Elective teacher all four years - Each year there is a different focus - The students get 1 elective credit for the class each semester - Students are required to be in the MYP/IB program or take a minimum of 2 Honors/AP classes

Characteristics of AVID Students - Have a desire to attend college - Desire and determination – the willingness to be challenged to move beyond previous levels of achievement - Have average to above average academic achievement and test scores, but may not be realizing their full potential - 2.0 – 3.5 GPA - Have been identified as having academic and personal potential by teachers, counselors, parents, and themselves - Have a willingness to prepare for the demanding course requirements of four-year colleges and universities

AVID’s Goals - The AVID curriculum is not effective unless participation is voluntary. - Such a choice paves the way for understanding that education is a free decision; without this understanding, students cannot become independent learners, which is AVID’s ultimate goal. - AVID is meant to become a community, and the continuity of the same teacher and classmates for four years encourages the formation of a support group. - Four-year college enrollment through successful completion of rigorous courses with high expectations. - Students must be challenged to move beyond previous levels of achievement.

AVID Is… - A college preparatory program for students who will benefit from a support structure - For students willing to commit themselves to rigorous curriculum - For students with good work habits - For students with appropriate classroom behavior - For students who display the individual determination necessary to be successful - Not effective unless participation is voluntary

AVID Is Not… An at-risk or remedial program For the consistent D or F student A program for students with severe school problems: Truancy Discipline Disrespectful Attitude A program for passive participants A schedule of easy classes For kids who don’t do their homework… AVID is NOT a study hall

The Umbrella of AVID (WICOR) W – Writing I – Inquiry C – Collaboration O – Organization R - Reading

AVID’s Focus 9th grade - Foundations of program - WICOR 10th grade 1. Cornell Notes 2. Binder Checks 3. Tutorials - Study skills - Grade checks - Read 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens - WICOR 10th grade - Refine foundations of program 1. Cornell Notes 2. Binder Checks 3. Tutorials - Study skills - Grade checks - WICOR - Begin college awareness activities…two college visits - Begin ACT/SAT Prep

AVID’s Focus 11th Grade 12th Grade - Focus shifts to college prep…the foundations have been set - ACT/SAT Prep - College visits - College admissions essay - Narrowing down college choices 12th Grade - Focus is on college prep - Applying to colleges - Knowledge about financial aid and FAFSA - Major and career research

AVID Staples Binder Checks AVID students are required to have an organized binder 1. BIG 3” binder OR Blue Day/Gold Day binders How can you help? - Allow the AVID students to have a big 3” binder if they choose

AVID Staples Cornell Notes AVID students are required to take Cornell Notes in their classes How can you help? - Allow the AVID students to take Cornell Notes