About AVID

  • AVID

    AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success. Some colleges and universities have also implemented AVID to help their students. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by thousands of schools and colleges/universities across the United States and in 16 countries, making a difference in the lives of more than 2 million students.
     
    AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually underserved. Its systematic approach supports 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 study hall. AVID students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in the AVID elective class in all of their classes as well as do the academically rigorous work required. AVID-trained educators also share AVID methodologies and strategies with their fellow educators at their school, so that all students, not just those in the AVID elective class, can benefit from AVID. 
    • AVID is for middle to upper middle academic students. These students have the potential to take rigorous courses but may need to develop the skills needed to be successful in these courses.
    • AVID combines rigor with support that includes the student's individual determination and the support of teachers, other AVID students, their families, and AVID tutors.
    • Students must maintain at least a 2.0 or higher GPA throughout the school year as well as maintain good attendance and good citizenship.
     
    AVID in Shakopee 
    Established in 2013, Shakopee AVID serves students in grades 7-12. Each year, students in grades 6-10 are selected to be invited to apply to be in the AVID class for the following school year based on a set criteria. Students who would like to enroll in the class must complete an application and be interviewed before being considered for possible selection for AVID. Each year, Shakopee's graduating AVID senior class receives numerous scholarship offers and acceptances to colleges and universities. 
     
    AVID is a challenging elective class held every day during the school day. It is not an after-school or remidial program. AVID students are required to take at least one rigorous course, such as an accelerated, AP, or CIS course, each year. AVID students learn valuable skills, such as writing, note-taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, public speaking, and critical thinking, all of which can help them succeed in these rigorous classes as well as all of their other classes. AVID students learn to succeed via their individual determination and take responsibility for their learning.
     
    AVID-trained tutors facilitate small group student-led tutorial sessions twice a week during the AVID class. AVID students also visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, expectations, classes, programs and collegiate life. They participate in leadership and team building activities, enrichment opportunities, and community service. Guest speakers, who are professionals in various career fields, visit our AVID classes to talk about their job, educational background and what they did to prepare for college and their career. In addition, special events are held for AVID students and their families.
     
    Being in the AVID class is voluntary, but students are encouraged to stay in AVID until their senior year. In 12th grade, they receive support in learning about financial aid, scholarships, and applying to colleges and universities. Students can choose to self exit from the class, or they can be exited if they do not meet the AVID standards and requirements. Being an AVID student is hard work and the expectations are high, but in the end, the many valuable rewards are well worth it. 
     
    What AVID Is Not
    • AVID is not an at risk program. The class is designed to support students in building their academic skills as they prepare for college.  
    • AVID is not for students who don't do any of their homework.
    • AVID is not for the consistently D or F student.
    • AVID is not for unmotivated students. They must have individual determination.
     
    Why AVID Works 
    • Places AVID students in rigorous curriculum and gives them the support they need to achieve their goals 
    • Provides students with a supportive team and family environment made up of teachers, counselors, fellow students, their families, and AVID tutors
    • 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  

    The 11 AVID Essentials
    These are the key elements to AVID's success. 

    1. AVID student selection
    2. Voluntary participation
    3. AVID elective class offered during the school day
    4. Rigorous course of study
    5. Strong, relevant writing and reading curriculum 
    6. Inquiry to promote critical thinking
    7. Collaboration as a basis of instruction
    8. Trained tutors
    9. Data collection and analysis
    10. District and school commitment
    11. Active, interdisciplinary site teams 

    National AVID Website