AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination

AVID's Mission

To close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through post-secondary college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

When evaluating student achievement, research suggests that when challenged and provided with sufficient support, students that have historically earned average grades and display a strong, consistent work ethic, are capable of successfully participating in Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum when afforded the opportunity. Furthermore, students that enroll in more rigorous classes during junior high and high school, increase their chances of earning a college degree exponentially. Those that are challenged in the secondary setting develop the skills and habits necessary to effectively navigate the college and university environment as a student.

With this in mind, in the fall of 2005, AVID was introduced in CUSD at Bogle Junior High and Hamilton High School in an effort to increase the level of college readiness for students in the academic middle. Six years later, all four comprehensive high schools, as well as four of the five traditional junior high sites, have an AVID program on campus. Students take the AVID elective, along with a minimum of one Honors/AP course, and are introduced to academic tools such as Cornell Note-Taking, Socratic Seminars, AVID Binders and WICR, the program's effective and specific guide to writing (writing, inquiry, collaboration and reading). While AVID has a number of goals related to the student's academic and personal growth and development, admission, attendance and successful completion of a degree from a 4-year college or university is at the forefront of the program's mission. Like AVID, CUSD believes that equity, rigor and opportunity are all key components when encouraging and empowering students to realize their potential.

In order to participate, students must complete a written application and interview.  All sites will be seeking new students throughout second semester.  For more information about the AVID program, please contact your student's school, or Joanna Athey, CUSD AVID coordinator at 480-812-7000.

Additional AVID resources:

• https://www.cusd80.com/Domain/1129 (CHS)
• https://www.cusd80.com/Domain/2359 (HHS)
• https://www.cusd80.com/domain/13519 (AJHS)
• https://www.cusd80.com/domain/4189 (WJHS)
• https://www.cusd80.com/Domain/8672 (BJHS)