Currently, the AVID program has partnered with 8,000 schools and has impacted over 2 million students in all grade levels across 47 states. AVID continues to expand in Pitt County Schools. The program is currently implemented in 25 schools in Pitt County. There are currently 2,304 AVID Elementary School students as well as 1,616 AVID Secondary School students. As a result of partnering with the AVID program, the number of college enrollment has doubled for the students enrolled in AVID over the past 4 years.
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. The program aims to help enhance student learning. AVID is implemented to create a safe culture based on high expectations of both teachers and students through collaboration in all classrooms. The goal of AVID is to make sure that all students are prepared for college, as well as success in their career. The framework of AVID focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading (WICOR). AVID does not create more work for students as it aligns with their goals and the ability to enhance the work that is already being done. While the goal of AVID is to increase college readiness, it also emphasizes the skills that are needed no matter what path the student decides to take. AVID focuses on critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and relationship building which is essential for any future student’s goals.
The AVID College and Career Readiness Framework combines what the students need and what the educators can do. Students need rigorous academic preparedness which gives them the ability to develop academic skills that will help them be successful in college and future careers, through dedicated curriculum and experiences. In addition, students need opportunity knowledge which helps them research opportunities and set goals, as well as make choices that encourage transition to the next level of their future. The development of these skills provides a student agency, which means that students begin to believe in their abilities, where they are intentional about building strong relationships and overcoming obstacles that can stand in the way of their potential. For students to reach these goals, educators take the necessary actions of the AVID program to support the growth of their students. Teachers provide experiences that are engaging through an increased complex level of understanding. Educators are also needed to eliminate the obstacles that limit the students ability for success. Educators can do this by becoming advocates for their students by challenging practices and policies.
Starting in 1980, AVID has increased enrollment, graduation rates, and GPAs for students in the program. AVID does this by providing academic and social support through all grade levels, while ensuring these students are college and career ready. The AVID program has shown to be a huge success in the 25 schools that have implemented this in Pitt County Schools. AVID will continuously grow as it has helped an abundance of students achieve their goals in a variety of ways.
