"To close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society."
Avid students learn organizational, study and time management skills. In addition, they become critical thinkers, learn to ask probing questions, get academic help from peers and tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities focused on college preparation and readiness.
AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the potential to succeed in advanced courses, particularly:
• First Generation College Students • Economically Disadvantaged Students • Students from underrepresented groups in higher education • Students with special circumstances
1. Students must enroll in the AVID elective course which is taught during the school day. 2. Students in AVID are encouraged to take college-prep courses, including honors, On-Ramps, Dual Credit, and Advanced Placement. 3. Students are encouraged to pursue participation in extracurricular activities and community service. 4. Students must maintain an AVID binder with an agenda. 5. Students must have a daily dedicated time for homework, studying and working on projects.
• Writing - Students receive instruction in writing to learn strategies, the writing process and timed writing • College & Careers - Investigation of colleges, college majors and career choices • Strategies for Success - Time management, organizational and study skills.
AVID has... “...helped me become a more organized and responsible person. Before joining, I always had all of my papers thrown everywhere. But now everything is in one place where I can find it. AVID has also helped me become more social. I was never a talkative person (and I’m still not) but AVID is a place where I can freely express my thoughts, like a safe haven.” - 10th grade student
“...opened my eyes to another option after high school that can make my life a million times better.”- 9th grade student
“...impacted my life by making me more organized in school. I haven’t even thought about college before AVID, but now I have thought about my whole life through college graduation and a few years after that.”- 8th grade student
“improved my organization a lot. I have an organized binder, so when my teacher tells me to pull out something, I can easily find it. It has also helped improve my grades with tutorials. It gets a lot of my homework questions answered and I understand my homework better.”- 7th grade student
AVID I (6th, 7th, 8th) grade elective course is an introduction to the AVID philosophy. Students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization & reading as well as their academic growth. Students will engage in activities centered around exploring college & career opportunities, building self-confidence & communication skills. Students will set short & long-term goals &, as a result, understand the value in taking charge of their actions. Students will take an active role in their learning, understanding the roles of all members in assignments & collaborative lessons. Students will also develop skills regarding note-taking in relation to studying & test preparation.
AVID II (7th, 8th ) grade AVID elective course is the year of preparation for high school. Students will refine previous goals, focusing on their transition to high school as part of a college-preparatory path. Students will transition from active learners to leaders. Other areas of focus include increasing the use of technology & building upon test-preparation & test-taking knowledge. Students will participate in college preparatory testing.
AVID III (8th) grade AVID elective course is additional preparation for high school. Students will create, develop & present a portfolio representing their three years of work in the AVID program.
AVID is a regularly scheduled elective class that prepares students with high academic potential for success in college.
An AVID Student...
● Has desire and determination
● Might currently be making Bs and Cs
● Wants to be challenged in school with support
● Might be the first person in their family to go to college one day
● Might be learning English as a second language
● May desire an “AVID Family” support system
● Could benefit from guidance at school to become college-ready
What are AVID student expectations?
AVID students are expected to enroll in rigorous college preparatory classes, maintain an absolute minimum of a “C” average, and be leaders on their campus.
What happens in the AVID class?
● AVID students are supported in high-level academic skills in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading and academic behaviors.
● Students are equipped with skills such as note taking, studying, test-taking, and goal setting.
● Students receive academic support from college-age tutors through collaborative groups and are motivated to pursue academic excellence through cultural and college field trips, classroom guest speakers, and AVID team building.
AVID - ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION I
Grades: 9-12 Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None
AVID elective course will serve as a review of the AVID philosophy & strategies. Students will work on academic & personal goals & communication, adjusting to the high school setting. Students will increase their awareness of their personal contributions to their learning as well as their involvement in school & community.
AVID - ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION II
Grades: 10-12 Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Previous level before
AVID II elective course will refine A YID strategies to meet their independent needs & learning styles. Students will continue to refine & adjust their academic learning plans & goals, increasing awareness of their actions & behaviors. Students will expand their vocabulary use, continuing to prepare for college entrance exams. Text analysis will focus on specific strategies to understand complex texts. Lastly, students will narrow down their colleges & careers of interest based on their personal interests & goals.
AVID - ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION III
Grades: 10-12 Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Previous level before
The AVID III is the first part of a Junior/Senior seminar course that focuses on skills expected of first-year college students. Students participate in college-bound activities & confirm their post-secondary plans.
AVID - ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION IV
Grades: 10-12 Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Previous level before
The AVID IV is the second part of a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on the writing & critical thinking expected of first & second-year college students. College-bound activities, methodologies, & tasks that should be achieved during the senior year that support students as they apply for college & confirm their postsecondary plans. Seniors will develop & present a portfolio representing their years of work in the A YID program.
Anna Marie Warren
Lake Worth ISD, AVID District Director awarren@lwisd.org
