What is AVID?

Course Philosophy
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
AVID is a college-readiness system designed to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges. The formula is simple --- raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge. In the accelerated elective class, participating students receive instruction through a rigorous curriculum and structured tutorials. AVID elective teachers support and counsel students by providing academic training, managing their tutorials, working with faculty and parents, and helping students develop long-range academic, personal, and college plans.

One Teacher. One Classroom.This video highlights AVID’s data and growth and was used to launch AVID’s new tagline, Proven Achievement. Lifelong Advantage.

What are the eligibility requirements and expectations?
Eligibility requirements for the AVID Elective?
 Good Classroom Conduct (no behavior referrals)
 2.0 minimum GPA (incoming freshmen GPA; see scale below for all grade levels)
 Limited Absences
 Willingness to participate in the AVID program
 Dedication & Determination to achieve goals
 FSA Math & Reading Scores of at least a 2; this level is needed to be enrolled in at least course of rigor
 Complete the AVID agreement/application and submit by deadline (2019-20 deadline is May 1, 2019)
 Successfully complete the interview process

   

Once selected for the AVID program the AVID Student is expected to:
 Enroll in the AVID elective course for appropriate grade level
 Enroll in one or more academic advanced classes (Honors, Pre-AICE/AICE, AP, Dual) each semester
 Maintain satisfactory behavior and attendance in all classes (No referrals, ISS and/or OSS)
 Carry and maintain the AVID binder with assignments and take daily notes in all classes
 Utilize planner; writing in all classwork/homework/activities
 Complete all homework/classwork assignments on time and commit to studying every night

How do I apply?

NEW AVID applicants (that have never been in AVID):

• Complete the AVID agreement/application online Google Form
• Interview with an ELCHS AVID Site Team member - incoming Freshmen will interview during Class Registration - date will be posted on Google Classroom and social media.
• Class of 2027 Freshmen Registration and AVID Interviews will held at Spring Registration. Date to be announced. 

Note for AVID3 and AVID4 applicants:

• If applying for AVID3, student must have successfully completed AVID2 with at least a C. 
• If applying for AVID4, student must have successfully completed AVID3 and AVID2 with at least a C. 

Current AVID students (includes middle and high school AVID students:

     Complete AVID agreement/application online

*If you are currently in 8th grade AVID and are applying for freshmen AVID, you must complete and submit the AVID application, however you do not need to complete the interview.  

Course Overview

AVID is a four year elective college preparatory program that prepares students to attend a four-year university upon high school graduation. AVID students are placed into rigorous coursework such as Honors, Advanced Placement, Cambridge, or Dual Enrollment classes, and are provided with the tools they will need to succeed.  Within the AVID Curriculum there is an emphasis on analytical writing, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, study skills and test taking, note taking, and research. 

Major Concepts/Content: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success, and it is scheduled during the regular school day as a year-long course. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated collaborative study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading to support their academic growth.

Grades: 9-12
Length: 4 years

Course Descriptions
AVID1 = freshmen year
     -9th Grade Major Concepts/Content: Students will work on academic and personal goals and communication, adjusting to the high school setting. Students will increase awareness of their personal contributions to their learning, as well as their involvement in their school and community. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, focusing on personal goals and thesis writing. Students will work in collaborative settings, learning how to participate in collegial discussions and use sources to support their ideas and opinions. Students will prepare for and participate in college entrance and placement exams, while refining study skills and test-taking, note-taking, and research techniques. They will take an active role in field trip and guest speaker preparations and presentations. Their college research will include financial topics and building their knowledge on colleges and careers of interest.
     -9th Grade AVID Elective Standards (pdf)

AVID2 = sophomore year
     -10th Grade Major Concepts/Content: Students will refine the AVID strategies to meet their independent needs and learning styles. Students will continue to refine and adjust their academic learning plans and goals, increasing awareness of their actions and behaviors. As students increase the rigorous course load and school/community involvement, they will refine their time management and study skills accordingly. Students will expand their writing portfolio to include: analyzing prompts, supporting arguments and claims, character analysis and detailed reflections. Students will also analyze various documents, in order to participate in collaborative discussions and develop leadership skills in those settings. Students will expand their vocabulary use, continuing to prepare for college entrance exams and preparation. Text analysis will focus on specific strategies to understand complex texts. Lastly, students will narrow down their college and careers of interest, based on personal interests and goals
     -10th Grade AVID Elective Standards (pdf)

AVID3 = junior year
     -11th Grade Major Concepts/Content: The eleventh-grade AVID Elective course is the first part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on writing and critical thinking expected of first- and second-year college students. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID seminar, there are college-bound activities, methodologies and tasks that should be undertaken during the junior year to support students as they apply to four-year universities and confirm their postsecondary plans.  This includes, but is not limited to taking the ACT and SAT by the Spring of junior year.  
     -11th Grade AVID Elective Standards(pdf)

AVID4 = senior year
     -12th Grade Major Concepts/Content: The AVID Elective twelfth grade course is the second part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on writing and critical thinking expected of first- and second-year college students. Students will complete a final research essay project from research conducted in their junior year in AVID. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID senior seminar, there are college-bound activities, methodologies and tasks that should be achieved during the senior year that support students as they apply to four-year universities and confirm their postsecondary plans. All AVID seniors are required to develop and present a portfolio representing their years of work in the AVID program, as well as complete the requirements for the seminar course.
     -12th Grade AVID Elective Standards (pdf)

AVID Elective Teachers

AVID1, AVID3 and AVID4: Mr. Israel Genest
Email: Mr. Genest

AVID2/AVID Coordinator: Mr. Allam Sanchez
Email:Mr. Sanchez