AVID 101 (Introduction)

AVID is a fourth- through twelfth-grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility.  It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap.  AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

The AVID Student
The AVID Elective
The AVID Curriculum
The AVID Faculty
The AVID Tutor
The AVID Parent
Results
Professional Development
Community
Where is AVID?
Who Pays for AVID?
Who Directs The AVID Program?

The AVID Student

AVID targets students in the academic middle - B, C, and even D students - who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.  These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.  Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families.  AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation. 

The AVID Elective

Not only are students enrolled in their school's toughest classes, such as honors and Advanced Placement, but also in the AVID elective.  For one period a day, they 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.  Their self-images improve, and they become academically successful leaders and role models for other students. 

The AVID Curriculum

The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors.  It is driven by the WICR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading.  AVID curriculum is used in AVID elective classes, in content-area classes in AVID schools, and even in schools where the AVID elective is not offered.