The Road to College: Rigor, Readiness, and Retention

Why focus on creating college-ready students? An essential investment in democracy College readiness = work readiness A meaningful high school diploma We develop capable, adaptive people

What do we do for AVID students? Provide academic training and leadership opportunities through the AVID elective class Develop a peer group focused on success in school Create a focus on college and career planning Provide skills to make their transitions successful

The Mission of AVID AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

What is AVID? A structured, college preparatory system working directly with schools and districts A direct support structure for first-generation college goers, grades 4-12 A schoolwide approach to curriculum and rigor adopted by more than 4,000 schools in 45 states and 15 countries A professional development program providing training throughout the U.S.

AVID is… NOT Focused on acceleration Remediation A ‘learning to learn’ approach Connected to content Research-based Leadership training Remediation A “quick fix” A study hall or “Whine and dine”

The AVID Student Profile Students With Academic Potential Average to high test scores 2.0-3.5 GPA or higher 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 Special circumstances

The 11 Essentials What’s necessary for successful implementation AVID student selection Voluntary participation AVID elective class offered during the school day Rigorous course and study Writing and reading curriculum

The 11 Essentials (Continued) Inquiry to promote critical reading Collaboration Trained tutors Data collection and analysis District and school commitment Active and interdisciplinary site team

A Sample Week in the AVID Elective A/B Daily Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Guest Speakers Curriculum days Binder check/Tutorials Motivational Activities Fieldtrips A project is assigned each quarter Cornell Note Taking is used throughout the year AVID Curriculum includes: Writing Curriculum College and Careers Strategies for Success AVID Tutorials Include: Collaborative Study Groups Writing Groups Socratic Seminars

Meeting the Challenge Develop as readers and writers. To help all students do rigorous work and meet or exceed high standards in each content area, we must help students: Develop as readers and writers. Develop deep content knowledge. Know content specific strategies for reading, writing, thinking and talking. Develop habits, skills, and behaviors to use knowledge and skills.

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