1. AVID Excel
An Introduction

2. Essential Question
What is AVID Excel?

3. AVID’s ELCR AVID Mission ELCR Mission
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
ELCR Mission
To ensure that English language learners have full access to AVID and college-preparatory coursework.

4. AVID’s ELCR Components: AVID Excel
Supporting ELLs in Math & Supporting ELLs in Science Path Trainings
ELL Write Path book & training
Infusion of AVID into ELD courses
Infusion of ELL strategies into the AVID curriculum

5. AVID Excel’s Focus: Long-Term ELLs
Why?
Most “stuck” subgroup
Require specific support
Acceleration Access Explicit instruction Re-engagement Relationships Role models & “Believers”

6. Characteristics of Long-Term ELLs
Designated ELL for more than 6 years; appear “stuck”
Most born in U.S. and attended all U.S. schools
Orally fluent in English (deceiving!)―BICS
Reading and writing below grade level—lack CALP
Insufficient literacy in primary language; may use an informal version of their primary language
Often disengaged with school; work to stay “invisible”
(From California Tomorrow)
(From California Tomorrow)

7. AVID Excel Goal Middle School
To interrupt students’ path to long-term ELL status, accelerate their language acquisition, and put them on the path to AVID and college preparatory coursework

8. AVID Excel Student Profile
US Schools: 4 years or more (as of 6th grade)—on the way to long-term ELL status English Language Proficiency Exam: Overall intermediate and early advanced ELA Standards Test: Below proficient (basic level)
College Aspirations: Interested in going to college; desire to achieve
ELA Courses: Usually scheduled for general ed. ELA courses (vs. ELD/ ESL/ESOL)

9. Professional Learning
AVID Excel
Professional Learning
AVID Excel Coursework
Biliteracy
Family Connections
Content area and AVID Excel teachers
2 years of targeted PL
Work together to plan instruction
Ongoing PL/coaching with AVID Excel District Leader
Explore how heritage language courses can be available to students as pathway to biliteracy & AP language in high school; pursue Seal of Biliteracy
Working with families to build academic language together and support college readiness.
AVID Excel is part of AVID “family”—collaboration is encouraged.
Language development courses with AVID “overlay”
Summer between 6th & 7th, 7th & 8th, and optional 8th & 9th grades
7th grade & 8th grade Elective
Middle school “pre-AVID” English language development program for long-term ELLs to accelerate academic language acquisition and entrance to AVID and college preparatory course work

10. AVID Excel Course Sequence
7th Grade Summer
7th Grade Elective
8th Grade Summer
8th Grade Elective
9th Grade AVID summer (optional)
AVID Excel Course Sequence
7th & 8th grade summers include community-based experiences
Common “Strands”
Reading
Writing
Oral Language
Academic Vocabulary
Study Skills
Self-determination/Leadership

11. AVID Excel Course Sequence
KEY FOCUS:
Academic language building with AVID strategies for support

12. AVID Excel Course Sequence
AVID Excel is NOT:
An “AVID for ELL students class” because:
It is not part of AVID certification
And the primary focus is LANGUAGE first

13. AVID Excel Expansion 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 Garden Grove, CA
(Original Pilot)
5 MS
Riverside, CA
(Expanded Pilot)
3 MS
Hillsborough, FL
2 MS
Menifee, CA
Tukwila, WA
Vancouver, WA
Mt. Vernon, WA
San Jacinto, CA
Perris, CA
Corona-Norco, CA
Palm Beach, FL
Pomona, CA
Val Verde, CA
Prosser, WA
AVID Excel Expansion
2013
2012
2011
2010
2008

14. Preliminary research (pilot sites) shows…
Increased motivation, resilience, engagement, & academic risk-taking
Increased oral language use in formal register
College preparatory course enrollment in HS
AVID elective acceptance in HS
Fewer D’s & F’s (based on comparison group)
Accelerated movement on CELDT (CA English Language Development Test)
Increase in performance levels on CST ELA (CA Standards Test)
…longitudinal data will give us ELL redesignation rate; HS graduation rate; college preparatory course completion; college application and acceptance rate

15. Appropriate Districts for AVID Excel
Underachieving long-term ELL subgroup
Strong AVID reputation & feeder pattern (middle level to high school)
Commitment to college readiness for ELL students
Resources for curriculum, professional learning, summer courses, tutors (Title I, III, EIA funds, & grants, GEAR UP)
AVID Excel District Leader designated (for coaching & program oversight)

16. Beginning Implementation Timeline
Jan-March
Student recruitment
Teacher selection
Master schedule planning
AVID Excel Summer Bridge planning
Contract process – March 1 contract request deadline
Spring
AVID Excel Elective teacher training (2 days in April/May)
Family engagement
Summer
AVID Excel Summer Bridge
AVID Excel Elective teacher training (2 days in summer)
Fall planning

17. elcr@avidcenter.org (858) 380-4800
Contact Information
(858)