Cabrillo Among Top AVID Sites in U.S.

3/20/09

Cabrillo High School joined an elite group of Advancement Via Individual Determination schools recently by becoming a National Demonstration Site.

AVID is an in-school academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success.

The national distinction, shared by only three other schools in the district, validates AVID’s schoolwide impact at Cabrillo.

The road to this validation was a collaborative effort among the students and the AVID Site Team, led by coordinator Paula Libby, and the administration.

Preparation for the visit, which included data analysis, classroom observations, and interviews with teachers, parents, and students, began at the AVID Summer Institute.

Among commendations from visitors was Cabrillo’s effect on increasing the number of A-G graduates meeting college entrance requirements.  Advanced Placement enrollment also was recognized.

Currently serving 265 students, AVID has contributed significantly to the emerging college-going culture on campus.  Of Cabrillo’s 156 previous AVID graduates, 89 percent have been A-G eligible.

AVID’s positive effect can also be seen in the Advanced Placement program as the numbers of course offerings, sections and students have more than tripled in the past five years.
The elective AVID classes emphasize writing, inquiry and collaboration.