AVID

What is AVID?

AVID is an elective class that assists students who need academic help (tutoring) in one or more of their classes, and are very determined to attend a four-year university. AVID helps you to improve your study habits and organizational skills. The class also provides tutoring two days a week in the AVID class by students currently attending college. AVID takes you on field trips to colleges and helps with the college applications, scholarships, and the financial aid application process. 

AVID is a proven program for college preparation that gives students the skills, tools and attitude to succeed. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. The Latin word avidus means "eager for knowledge." Ten comprehensive schools in the Phoenix Union High School District offer AVID. AVID prepares students in the academic middle who are often least-served for four-year college eligibility through rigorous curriculum, including AVID elective courses that focus on skills needed for college.

The AVID mission is to ensure that students:

  • will succeed in rigorous curriculum

  • will complete a rigorous college preparatory path

  • will enter mainstream activities of the school

  • will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges

  • will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

How Does AVID Work?

AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID students are enrolled in their school's toughest classes, such as Honors and Advanced Placement, along with the AVID elective class.

About AVID

AVID and Common Core

AVID Essentials

AVID Essential

Description

1. Student Selection - Students in the Middle

Identifying and selecting students with academic potential who are in the academic middle.

2. Voluntary Participation - Students and Staff

Ensuring that participation in AVID is voluntary for both students and staff.

3. AVID Elective During School Day

Offering an AVID elective class during the regular school schedule.

4. Enrollment in Rigorous Curriculum

Encouraging students to enroll in challenging courses such as honors or AP classes.

5. Organizational Skills to Promote Self-Management

Teaching organizational and time management skills to students.

6. Strong Relevant Reading and Writing Curriculum

Implementing a curriculum that emphasizes critical reading and writing skills.

7. Inquiry and Collaboration to Promote Critical Thinking

Promoting inquiry-based learning and collaborative activities to enhance critical thinking.

8. Training Tutors

Providing training for tutors who support AVID students.

9. Data Collection and Analysis

Collecting and analyzing data on student performance and program effectiveness.

10. School/District Resources Committed

Ensuring the allocation of necessary resources from the school and district to support AVID.

11. Interdisciplinary Site Team

Forming a team of educators from various subjects to implement and maintain the AVID program.

Apply for AVID

Current 8th Grade Students Apply Here

Current Phoenix Union High School District Students Apply Here 

AVID Data

In just over 30 years, AVID has become one of the most successful college-preparatory programs for low-income, underserved students, and today reaches more than 425,000 students in approximately 4,800 schools in 48 states and 16 other countries.

Almost 3 out of 4 AVID graduates were accepted to a four-year college.

The number of AVID 8th graders enrolled in Algebra is almost 50 percent higher than the national average.

AVID students complete four-year college entrance requirements at a rate at least two times higher than the national rate.  

AVID Graduates 

  • 91.3 percent plan to enroll in a college or university  

  • 58.3 percent plan to enroll in a four-year university

  • 33 percent plan to enroll in a two-year college

AVID Student Profile

Students with Academic Potential:

  • Average to high test scores

  • 2.0 - 3.5 GPA

  • College potential with support

  • Desire and determination 

Meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • First to attend college

  • Historically underserved in four-year colleges

  • Low income

  • S pecial circumstances

Benefits of AVID

Students in AVID are more likely to complete college eligibility requirements and get into four-year colleges.

  •  In 2010, 100% of PUHSD AVID graduates were accepted into a two or four-year college or university.

  • Once accepted to college, AVID students possess the higher-level skills needed for success in college.

  • AVID places academically average students in advanced classes.

  • AVID levels the playing field for minority, rural, low income and other students without a college-going tradition in their families.

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Tutorology

Tutors are key to the success of the AVID program. Tutors from area colleges and universities are trained to use specific teaching methodologies and materials to work with AVID students. Tutors work with AVID students in study groups and individually, assisting them in all academic areas to make progress commensurate with college expectations.  AVID tutorials take place in small groups that are subject area specific. AVID tutors assist the students achieve their full potential by facilitating collaborative tutorial groups. Tutors use Socratic questioning and collaborative learning techniques to help the students come up with the answers to their questions on their own and by working with fellow students.

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