The AVID Elective and Student

The AVID elective course includes four major components.

I. The AVID Curriculum

The AVID curriculum is based on a proven methodology called WICR that transforms students from passive learners into active classroom contributors and critical thinkers.

• Writing to Learn emphasizes writing in all subjects with a focus on clarifying and communicating thoughts, and understanding material.
• Inquiry Learning involves using skillful questioning that allows students to clarify, analyze, and synthesize curriculum.
• Collaboration fosters responsibility in students by actively engaging them in the learning process.
• Organization allows students to strategically and intentionally take responsibility of their learning through managing materials, time and prioritizing activities.
• Reading to Learn focuses on skills needed to access rigorous text.  Students are taught to analyze, question, critique, clarify, and comprehend the material.

II. AVID Tutorials

• Tutorials are collaborative study groups facilitated by trained tutors from local colleges and universities.
• Tutors work with students both individually and in small groups providing extra academic and organizational support in all curricular areas.
• Tutors act as role models for AVID students, sharing their high school and college experiences.

III. AVID College Readiness Plan

• AVID students are enrolled into classes that will meet the “A-G” college entrance requirements, which are a sequence of high school course that students must complete (with a grade of C or better) to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California or California State University.
• AVID students are also expected to enroll in Honors and Advanced Placement courses.
• AVID students and families become familiar with the various college admission requirements – from entrance exams to applications and essays.
• AVID students and families research and apply for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

IV. AVID Enrichment Activities

• Students take exploratory trips to colleges, universities, and cultural events.
• Guest speakers from various careers and colleges present information that helps students develop future college and career goals.

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The AVID Student

AVID is an academic elective for which “determined” 9th – 12th graders must apply, interview and be admitted before enrolling.  The program is for students who have the “individual determination” to attend college, and…

• attend school on a regular basis, possess a 2.0 – 3.5 grade point average,
• will enroll in college preparatory classes,
• will work hard to meet academic goals, and
• will actively participate in AVID events.

In addition, the program is for students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Will be the first in their family to attend college
• Are from a population traditionally under-served in 4-year colleges
• Have special circumstances