What is AVID?

AVID is an academic, regularly scheduled elective class, during the school day, based on writing as a tool of learning, inquiry method, and collaborative grouping.  The three main components of the program are:

• academic instruction,
• tutorial support, and
• motivational activities

AVID is offered in grades seven through twelve.  AVID is a state approved innovative course, and students in grades nine through twelve receive an elective credit for the course each year.  In 2005-2006, AVID will be available at all junior highs in grades seven and eight, at Berkner, Richardson, and Pearce High Schools in grades nine and ten, and at Lake Highlands High School in grades nine, ten, and eleven.

What are some of RISD's AVID Achivements?

• Four National Demo Sites
• Three Dell Scholars
• 98% College Acceptance Rate
• Higher TAKS scores than Non-AVID students

Who is an AVID student?

• TAKS 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

While all of these criteria are considered for acceptance into the program, no single criteria will necessarily eliminate a student from consideration.  The AVID program should reflect the demographics of the school it is serving.

Students participating in special education, REACH, ESL will be considered for AVID based on the criteria listed above.  Currently, there are a number of students from these groups successfully participating in the AVID program.

Once selected for AVID, what are the student requirements?

• attend and AVID elective class,
• enroll in one or more advanced academic class (Pre-AP or AP) each semester,
• maintain satisfactory citizenship and attendance in all classes,
• maintain the AVID binder with assignment/grade record sheets and daily notes in all classes, and
• complete all homework assignments and commit to studying every night.

What does the AVID Elective Class look like?

AVID Curriculum includes: Writing Curriculum College and Careers Strategies for Success

AVID Tutorials: Collaborative Study Groups Writing Groups Socratic Seminars

What AVID is:

• an acronym that stands for Advancement via Individual Determination
• an in-school academic support program for grades 7 – 12 that prepares students
• for college eligibility and success
• for all students, but it targets those in the academic middle
• implemented school wide and district wide.

What AVID Isn't:

• a remedial program
• a free ride
• a school within a school
• a quick fix
• an affirmative action program

AVID Links

AVID State Office
AVID Center in San Diego
Killeen ISD
lLa Habra High School
Sacramento County

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