Teacher
What is AVID?
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a research-based approach that provides resources, support, and strategies for teachers and students. AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
AVID strategies are used school-wide, as we are an AVID Certified Campus. Students must apply to be in the AVID Elective, which is an elective class that focuses on AVID curriculum.
What Does AVID Look Like in the Classroom?
AVID teaching methodologies are used in both the "AVID Elective" and in content-area classrooms school-wide.
AVID is for ALL STUDENTS; the "AVID Elective" is an elective course that provides additional support, teaches AVID skills, and further prepares students to be successful in academics and in life!
The AVID Elective
The core component is the AVID Elective, which supports students as they tackle the most rigorous classes. For one period a day, AVID students learn: organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college seem attainable.
Furthermore, AVID students become academically successful leaders and role models for other students.
How are AVID Students Selected?
AVID students are students capable of completing a college preparatory path with support. In some cases, these students are not realizing their full potential academically. The AVID course supports these students on their path to success using a variety of educational and support strategies.
In the identification process a number of criteria are considered, including:
- Assessment Scores (passing scores)
- Grades (passing)
- Citizenship
- Attendance
- Desire and Determination
- First in Family to Attend College
- Historically Underrepresented in 4-year Colleges
- Economically Disadvantaged
- Other Special Circumstances
A student does not have to meet all of these criteria to be in AVID. These are simply a guideline to help us select the students that AVID can best support!
How Can I Apply for the AVID Elective?
Students apply to be in the AVID elective at the end of the previous school year. Students then go through the selection process that may include completing a written application, obtaining recommendations, interviewing, and more.
Students are notified of their acceptance into the program prior to the beginning of school. Selected students will have the AVID Elective class built into their schedule for the school year. The VMS AVID Elective typically does not allow transfers into the elective once the school year has begun.
The AVID Impact
Closing the Achievement Gap
- AVID Overview.pdf (636.8 KBs)