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 more than 7,000 schools, including 40 colleges and universities, in 44 states and 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 under-served. 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 free ride or 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 accelerated and other rigorous courses but may need to develop the skills needed to be successful in these courses.

AVID combines rigor with the 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's 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
• Enroll in a college
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society 

AVID 

Established in 2021,  AVID serves almost 200 students. Each year, students are selected to be invited to apply to be in the AVID class for the following school year based on 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.

AVID is a challenging elective class held every day during the school day. It is not an after-school or remedial program. AVID students are required to take at least one rigorous 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 backgrounds and what they did to prepare for college and their careers. 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 worth it. 

What AVID Is Not

• AVID is not an at risk program. It is designed to support students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend and graduate from 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  

Criteria To Be Considered for AVID

• Must be at least 2.0 GPA
• Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude, and work collaboratively with others
• Complete college requirements prior to graduation
• Must take at least one rigorous course each year while in AVID
• Usually underrepresented in colleges and universities
• Have good attendance and good citizenship

T.C. Boushall scholars are respectful, responsible, and ready to learn and T.C. Boushall faculty and staff are caring, committed, and creative.