1. Decades of College Dreams “AVID has helped me to reach outside my comfort zone. Be it learning to ask better questions, or giving me opportunities to advance my public speaking skills, AVID has given me a chance to learn how much more I can do.” - Yessica T., DMS AVID Class of 2015 (Third Year Participant)

2. What is AVID? AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and takes the place of the exploratory rotation. It prepares students with academic potential, for success in advanced high school classes and in college. AVID uses trained tutors twice a week to conduct study seminars with the goal of supporting students with accelerated coursework. At DMS, AVID students are automatically enrolled in accelerated math and potentially accelerated literature and/or language arts. Elective class that emphasizes reading, writing, note- taking, organization, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning

3. Targeted Student Criteria 2.0-3.5 GPA Meets Standards on ISAT Reading and Math Potential to excel in rigorous courses with support Consideration may go to such items as first-time college goer, non-native English speaker, special circumstances, etc.

4. Benefits of AVID Increases opportunity to enroll and succeed in middle school accelerated coursework that will lead to Honors/AP level coursework in high school Provides strategies to help raise test performances in classes and for the EXPLORE/PSAE/ACT/SAT Helps students with organizational and note-taking skills FREE tutoring Opportunity to visit local colleges and universities

5. AVID Data -Since 2010, the AVID student GPA has been at or above the non-AVID student GPA -Currently, 42% of 6 th grade, 44% of 7 th grade, and 84% of 8 th grade AVID students are enrolled in two or more accelerated classes -By the end of the 2013/14 school year, 90% of 8 th grade AVID students completed Algebra with a grade of C or better. Also, at least 85% of AVID students earned Cs or better in their core academic classes.

6. Sample Schedule without AVID 1 st Hour: Literature 2 nd Hour: Language Arts 3 rd Hour: Extended Learning Time/Music 4 th Hour: Lunch 5 th Hour: P.E. 6 th Hour: Exploratory –(i.e. Art/Tech/Read Workshop/Oral Communications) 7 th Hour: Accelerated Math 8 th Hour: Science 9 th Hour: Social Studies

7. Sample Schedule with AVID 1 st Hour: Literature 2 nd Hour: Language Arts 3 rd Hour: Extended Learning Time/Music 4 th Hour: Lunch 5 th Hour: P.E. 6 th Hour: AVID (All Year) 7 th Hour: Accelerated Math 8 th Hour: Science 9 th Hour: Social Studies

8. The AVID Parents

9. A Typical AVID Week Two days of tutoring sessions in specific content areas Activities led by AVID Coach Literacy and academic behaviors to foster career and college readiness High school and college visits, as well as guest speakers

10. NEXT STEPS: 1.Complete the Application Packet and return to your school’s office by February 13, 2015. 2.Students selected for interviews will be notified by mail. All interviews will be conducted by March 6, 2015 3.Notification letters mailed by March 13, 2015

11. Application Materials Student Application Page Essay (preferably word processed) Teacher Recommendation (1 for 5 th, 2 for 6-7 th ) Counselor Recommendation (6-7 th only) Main Office Form (5 th only) *Submit the recommendation forms to the appropriate personnel *Submit the application and essay to your school’s office (if DMS—Student Services Office) *Go to DMS website and click AVID link for forms

12. Student Testimonials AVID gets you prepared and ready so nothing can knock you off your feet. (Aileen J., Three years in AVID) AVID has helped me get over my fears of presenting. As an 8 th grader, I feel confident and prepared every time I step un in front of an audience. (Ryan L., three years in AVID) AVID has given me another family at school to help me through the motions. (Jatzary S., Three years in AVID) AVID is a complete game changer. It makes me think a lot more about college. (Ashley S., One year in AVID) AVID has helped me remember what I learned because when we do learning logs, we reflect back on what we learned. (Nyah T., Three years in AVID Joining AVID has given me good grades, amazing friends, and a good education. (Shiza Z., Three years in AVID)

13. QUESTIONS

14. www.avidcenter.org