• National AVID Mission Statement


    “AVID’s mission is toclose the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness andsuccess in a global society.”


    Quick Facts about AVID


    What AVID is...

    ·        AVID is an acronym  that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

    ·        AVID places academically average students in advanced classes.

    ·        AVID is for all students, but it targets those in the academic middle.

    ·        AVID has a selection criteria and interview process for admittance into the program.

    What AVID isn't...

    ·        AVID isn't a remedial program.

    ·        AVID isn't a free ride.

    ·        AVID isn't a niche program.

    ·        AVID isn't a college outreach program

    The AVID Elective
           Not only are students enrolled in their school's toughest classes, such as honors or 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.

    The AVID Parent
           AVID parents encourage their students to achieve academically, participate on an advisory board and in AVID parent and site team meetings, and maintain regular contact with the AVID coordinator.  Many parents and students participate in AVID FamilyWorkshops.

    Professional Development
           The AVID elective class is led by a teacher who's been trained in the program's methodologies.  AVID'sProfessional Development, however, goes further than that.  Teachers and administrators from throughout the school and district attend AVID's SummerInstitutes, where they all learn techniques for bringing out the best in average students.  This way, AVID students are supported in content-area classrooms as well as in the AVID elective, and even more students can benefit from AVID.

    Community
            Colleges demonstrate their support of AVID programs in many ways.  They may provide class speakers, offer college credit courses to AVID high school students, include AVID students in residential, academically-oriented summer bridge programs, and follow and support the progress of AVID students during their college careers.  The community supports AVID by providing speakers and summer apprenticeships forAVID students.

    Where is AVID?
             AVID is at work in over 4,000 schools in 45states and 15 countries [Fall 2008].  Large urban schools, tiny rural schools, resource-rich suburban schools - they all find that AVID meets the needs of their students in the middle.

    Who Pays for AVID?
             School districts enter into agreements withAVID Center for materials, membership, and professional development. Districts provide public school teachers and tutors.



    For more information check out the AVID website www.avidonline.org.