Visit AVID Web site

What is AVID?

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and most especially the least-served students in the middle capable of completing a college preparatory path will:

• Succeed in rigorous curriculum
• Enter mainstream activities of the school
• Increase their enrollment in four-year colleges
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society
  

Why AVID Works

Between the remedial programs for students who lag far behind, and the gifted-and-talented programs for a school's brightest children, lies the silent majority: average students, who do "okay" in ordinary classes but, because they don't attract attention to themselves, are left alone. Many of these students hunger for more challenging coursework but fear failure. Their potential lies dormant, waiting to be recognized, encouraged, and supported.

First, AVID identifies these students. The selection criteria include:

• Ability: Are the students getting Cs and Bs but are capable of more? Can they succeed in college preparatory courses with support?
• Desire and Determination: Do they want to attend college? Are they willing to work hard to get there?
• Membership in an underserved group: Are they in a low-income household? Will they be the first in their family to attend college? Are they historically unlikely to attend college?
  

For more information, contact Laura Anderson, Paradise Valley School District AVID Coordinator at 602-449-5069, e-mail: landerson@pvschools.net. or visit the National AVID Web site.