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AVID

What is AVID?

The AVID Mission:  AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system, designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance.  The system…  

• Accelerates student learning; 

• Is research-based with proven results of student success; 

• Provides meaningful and motivating professional development; and 

• Is a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

Secondary Campuses – AVID is offered to 7th – 12th graders as an elective course that, like any other class, meets regularly.  Each week, students receive two hours of instruction, two hours in tutor led study groups, and one hour in motivational activities and academic survival skills, including critical reading and writing skills.  AVID students are encouraged to take pre-advanced placement courses (in junior high school) and move into honors/advanced placement courses.  AVID is a state approved innovative course, and students in grades seven through twelve receive an elective credit for the course each year.

Elementary Campuses – AVID strategies are imbedded in the Kindergarten through sixth grade curriculum. Students receive the following strategies in their multi-subject non-elective classrooms:  Organizational Tools, Student Success Skills, Partnerships, and WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading).  The utilization of these skills will help students’ preparation for junior high and create a smoother transition as well.

How can students get into AVID? 

At the secondary campuses, students must apply and be accepted in the program.  Contact AVID Site Coordinator or school counselor.

AVID secondary student profile:

The AVID student is a student with academic potential:

• 2.0 – 3.5 GPA
 

• College potential with support

• Desire and determination

 

• Average-to-high test score

The AVID student meets one or more of the following criteria: 

• First in family to attend college 

• Low income 

• Special circumstance


Frequently asked questions

  1. How are AVID students selected to be a part of the program? 
    They apply and go through an interview process. 

  2. What happens to students who are not selected for the program? 
    Students who are not selected for the AVID Program may be placed on a waiting list for further consideration in the following year. 

  3. What kinds of things go on in the AVID class? 
    Students work to improve organization, collaboration, inquiry and communication skills. Throughout, students focus on goal setting and college culture as a way to prepare for post-secondary schooling. Also, students get help from tutors and other students through a problem-solving process called "Tutorial."

  4. What is the success rate of AVID students? 
    Over 90 percent of AVID students who stay in the program until the end of 12th grade go on to a four year college. 

  5. Which schools have AVID? 
    Currently, Emerald Ridge High School, Puyallup High School, Rogers high schools along with Aylen, Ballou, Kallas Ferrucci, Glacier View, and Stahl junior high schools host the AVID Program. Potentially, we could offer a program that starts as early as fourth grade. 

  6. How many students are currently in the AVID program? 
    We recently expanded in the middle schools. Approximately 25 percent of our middle school kids are in the AVID program that starts as early as fourth grade. 

  7. Are AVID students required to do more work than the average student? 
    Yes, they are required to do more work than the average student. AVID students are required to take Cornell notes for their academic classes as well as stay organized in planning. Also, students give up an elective to take AVID (which counts as an elective). 

    There is additional homework from the AVID class in the form of projects and assignments. AVID students are expected to take the most rigorous courses possible to be best prepared for college. That means a full college preparation load throughout to be high school that included honors and Advanced Placement classes. 

  8. Do AVID teachers receive special training? 
    AVID elective teachers, site team members, counselors and principals have been trained in the use of AVID techniques. AVID staff development trainings have taken place during AVID Summer Institutes over the last four years in San Diego and Chicago. Those techniques are being used throughout each of the schools. Staff members are charged to supplement regular curriculum with AVID teaching to make AVID schoolwide.
 

Dr. Arturo Gonzalez
Director of Instructional Learning

Denette Neville
Administrative Assistant
253-840-8966



AVID Tutors Needed!

Tutors facilitate tutorials of small groups of AVID junior high and high school students at various school locations throughout the school district. These collaborative tutorials lead to increased student participation and success.

Tutorials and tutors play a vital role in AVID elective classes by:

• Promoting skill building;
• Building strong peer groups;
• Promoting academic success across content areas;
• Providing a safe space to bring complex questions, receive guidance, and take academic risks.

Tutors serve as both a resource and role model for AVID students, academically and collaboratively.

Candidates must be current college students or college graduates. No experience required. Hours will range from a minimum of 1 to 5 hours per day, at least two days a week during the school year. Hourly rate of pay is $16.00. Learn more.