What is AVID?

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness system that provides support to students from elementary through college.

At the secondary grade levels (7th-12th grades), AVID is an approved elective course taken during the school day. Students are usually selected to enroll in an AVID class after an application process. For one class 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. Students enrolled in AVID are typically required to enroll in at least one of their school's toughest classes, such as honors or Advanced Placement®, in addition to the AVID elective. As students progress in AVID, their self-images improve, and they become academically successful leaders and role models for other students.

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 WICOR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading.

Although AVID serves all students, the AVID elective focuses on the least served students in the academic middle. The formula is simple - raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge.

What AVID is . . .

• AVID is an in-school academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success.

• AVID places and supports academically average students in advanced classes.

• AVID levels the playing field for minority, rural, low-income, and other students without a college-going tradition in their families.

• AVID is for ALL students, but targets those in the academic middle.

• AVID is implemented district-wide.

What AVID is NOT . . .

• AVID is NOT a good fit for students who are not motivated to succeed.

• AVID is NOT a remedial or niche program.

• AVID is NOT a free ride.

• AVID is NOT a college outreach program.