AVID Excel An Introduction

Essential Question What is AVID Excel?

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.

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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