Skip To Main Content

AVID

 

AVID logo

AVID

AVID is an internationally recognized, college preparatory program designed to support students in the academic middle for success in advanced high school academics, dual enrollment and AP courses, while increasing eligibility and enrollment opportunities in four-year colleges. The program mission is to “close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society”. AVID enables students in grades 9 through 12 to succeed in rigorous high school curricula; to enter mainstream activities in school; and to develop a foundation for future college success. As a methodology for accelerating student progress, AVID features a rigorous academic elective course with a sequential curriculum that focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading.  Students also have access to tutorials during school hours. 

AVID Coordinator: Ms. Melissa Patel

AVID Program Video

AVID PROGRAM DOWNLOADS

AVID Application

avid logo

What is AVID?

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a college and career readiness program that focuses on holding students accountable to the highest standards, providing academic and social support, and preparing students for college eligibilty and success. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by more than 4,800 schools and 41 institutions of higher education in 45 states and 16 countries, providing training for more than 30,000 educators each year and making a difference in the lives of more than 700,000 students. AVID represents a systematic approach that supports Volusia County Schools’ Goal: to increase achievement for each and every student. Approximately 74% of AVID high school graduates enroll in college.

AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually under-served. Its systematic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance. AVID is not a remedial, niche or college outreach program. It is not a free ride nor is it a study hall. Students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in their AVID elective class as well as do the academically rigorous and challenging work required.

AVID Mission

AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle to succeed in rigorous curriculum.

  • Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
  • Enter mainstream activities of the school
  • Enrollment in four-year colleges
  • Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society

Basic Requirements for AVID Acceptance

  • GPA of 2.0 to 3.5
  • Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude and work collaboratively with others
  • Must be able to complete four-year university requirements prior to graduation
  • Must take at least one honors course while in AVID
  • Typically underrepresented in colleges and four-year universities

AVID @ AHS

AVID @ AHS has a local mission. In our AVID classrooms, we help to "build bridges over" achievement gaps. We understand that sometimes it's not enough to simply say "close the gap". Some of our students need to see "how" to close a gap. One way is to build another route to your goal, taking the focus off of the gap and placing it on the destination. 

AVID was introduced in AHS in the fall 2012 with one class. In 2014, we added two sections in 9th grade and have our first 12th grade graduating class. As of this fall, we currently have a combined total of more than 100 AVID students. Our students are selected based on the above criteria and are given the choice whether or not they would like to participate in the program. AVID is voluntary.

AVID is an elective class held five days a week. AVID students are required to take at least one honors class and through AVID, they learn valuable skills, such as writing, note taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, critical thinking and more, that will help them succeed in more rigorous courses. AVID-trained tutors facilitate small group student tutorial sessions twice a week, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Through our program, AVID students visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, classes, programs, opportunities and collegiate life. They also attend career fairs, college fairs and participate in team building activities. Guest speakers, including professionals in various career fields, are invited to come in and inspire our students. We also believe in the power of support. AVID hosts special events such as Family Night and AVID student activities to reinforce team building efforts.

Why AVID Works

  • Places AVID students in rigorous curriculum and gives them the support to achieve
  • Provides a team of students for positive peer identification
  • Redefines the teacher’s role as that of student advocate
  • Transforms schools by creating a college-going culture throughout an entire school, impacting all students

AVID's Success Rate

Since it was established in California more than 30 years ago, AVID has become the most successful college preparatory program for underserved students. * 92% plan to enroll in a college or university

  • 60% plan to enroll in a four-year university
  • 32% plan to enroll in a two-year college
  • 83% of parents have less than a four-year college degree 

To learn more about AVID, call Dianellys Encarnacion-Martinez at (386) 322-6100, e-mail ldschult@volusia.k12.fl.us  or visit the AVID Web site at http://www.avid.org/about.ashx.

AVID Mission

AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle to succeed in rigorous curriculum.

  • Complete a rigorous college preparatory path

  • Enter mainstream activities of the school

  • Enrollment in four-year colleges

  • Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society

AVID Program Requirements 

  • Students with a desire to attend four year college

  • Students with a minimum GPA of 2.5

  • Score a minimum high level 2 on FSA reading and math

  • No attendance or discipline problems

  • Willing to commit to enrollment of a rigorous college preparatory sequence of courses like Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment classes each year.

  • Must be a voluntary decision by the student, not solely the parent

  • Must complete an application and participate in an interview

  • A willingness to participate in collaborative groups, tutorials, field trips, and motivational activities

  • Must be a hard worker, driven, and have a positive attitude

  • Must maintain satisfactory citizenship and attendance in all classes

  • Must maintain the AVID binder and planner with assignment/grade record sheets and daily notes in all classes

  • Must maintain GPA of 3.0 or higher

The AVID Elective Class

The AVID Elective class places these students on the college track, requiring students to enroll in the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for them, such as Honors and Advanced Placement®. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams reality.

  • In the AVID elective classroom students are taught study skills, Cornell note taking, time management, writing and research skills
  • Students also learn about colleges and universities
  • Prepares students for college admission tests
  • Students may take field trips to college campuses and cultural events, and guest speakers from the community may speak to the class

The AVID Curriculum

AVID is an elective class held five days a week. Through AVID, they learn valuable skills, such as writing, note taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, critical thinking and more, that will help them succeed in more rigorous courses like honors, AP, and dual enrollment classes. AVID-trained tutors facilitate small group student tutorial sessions twice a week, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Through our program, AVID students visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, classes, programs, opportunities and collegiate life. They also attend career fairs, college fairs and participate in team building activities. Guest speakers, including professionals in various career fields, are invited to come in and inspire our students. 

 

typical week in the avid elective class

 

AVID Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the requirements for AVID?

    • Generally, students in AVID have a 2.5 to 3.5 GPA and are motivated to succeed in school.

  2. Is AVID a class?

    • Yes. AVID is an elective class that fits in a student’s regular schedule.

  3. Is there a grade in AVID?

    • Yes. Because AVID is a class in the student’s schedule, there is a grade.

  4. What do you do in AVID?

    • During the AVID class, students learn how to take Cornell/Focused Notes in each of their classes. They also learn test-taking strategies as well as time management and effective study skills. Students explore college and career options while working with WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading to Learn). All AVID students maintain some form of an AVID binder, which holds all of their materials from all of their classes. Field trips to local colleges occur each year. Each year students research careers and/or colleges they are interested in, in order to prepare for Senior year and after graduation.

  5. Is AVID an easy A?

    • No. Students in the AVID program work harder than many students because they are taught an effective way to study; AVID students put in the time and energy that other’s sometime lack. Even though students work harder, they come to realize the work is worth it when they see the benefits of the program reflected in their grades, study habits and engagement in the school community through community service, clubs and activities.

  6. Is AVID for every student?

    • No. AVID is only for students who want to be in the program and will work harder to be stronger students.

      Sometimes parents think the program is a good idea for their student; but if the student has no desire to be a part of AVID, it will not help them. AVID is only for students who have a desire to improve and have the intrinsic motivational trait to be successful.

  7. IS AVID a remedial program?

    • No. Students chosen for the AVID program demonstrate strong academic potential.

  8. If my student enters AVID, will I see immediate results?

    • Not necessarily. It varies from student to student. The AVID strategies must be implemented and used continuously to see results. Students and parents that expect AVID to be a quick fix have unrealistic expectations. AVID works after the students learn the importance of the strategies and begin using them throughout high school in ALL of their classes. Some students see results as fast as the end of first quarter, while others do not see those benefits emerge until later.

  9. Is AVID a tutoring program?

    • No. AVID is not a tutoring program. However, students in AVID may be required to seek the help of free tutoring in order to keep their grades at an acceptable level.

  10. Does my student have to maintain a certain GPA to remain in AVID?

    • Yes. Students in the AVID program must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and receive no Ds or Fs on grade reports. There are interventions that we take when students struggle and the students are expected to be accountable for their grades and seek help from teachers as well as other ways to improve.

  11. How are AVID students selected and notified of acceptance?

    • Students are evaluated on the basis of grades, attendance, discipline, standardized test scores, the written application and the interview. Final notifications will be provided sometime during the summer.

  12. What does it mean if you are wait-listed?

    • If you receive a letter wait-listing your student, it means further evaluation is needed before offering your student a space in the program, or the class is at full capacity. You will receive a follow up letter when a final decision has been made and/or when space becomes available

  13. If my student signs up for the course and does not like it, can they drop it?

    • Students can drop the course after the first semester. Although, students should consider the program carefully before deciding to sign up. Students and parents sign a contract for the year. At the end of the year, if a student is not progressing or is unhappy with AVID, they can also request to begin the process to exit AVID or they may be removed.

  14. Where can I get more information about AVID?

    • Go to the AVID website at www.avid.org. You can also email the AVID Coordinator at your school.