The Southwest Voice

larger view larger view

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program that is sweeping not only through California, but also through the nation! Students on campuses like Ridgeview High School and Stonecreek Junior High School can take an elective course to develop the tools needed to survive higher-level academic courses and succeed in college.

When accepted into the AVID program, students have already individually decided their own futures — they are determined to go to college! The moment they walk through the classroom door, they have taken the reins of their academic future. AVID students learn academic strategies needed for college success, including test taking, Cornell notes, reading and writing strategies, and communication skills.

In junior high, AVID students are also gearing up for college preparatory courses they will take in high school. Students tour university campuses to experience college life so they have a vision of their future. The most important aspect of the AVID elective class is the support given to the students by college tutors, peer tutors, teachers and counselors when faced with challenging academic courses. The AVID class holds tutorials twice a week in which students go over new or difficult concepts from classes and gain clarity on confusing material.

As part of the AVID curriculum, students are exposed to culture through trips to museums and theatres. The goal is to create a well-rounded education, where students are given the opportunity to look at the world from many different viewpoints. They can begin to appreciate new avenues in life, something many do not discover until they are in college.

AVID is for students who have the potential, with a little extra support, to advance from college preparatory classes to advanced and honor courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average while enrolled in the AVID program. It is a program to help those who are self motivated to work harder to achieve success. AVID is an incredible program designed to make college happen for everyone, and it really works!

— Amy Luther and Lana Martin are AVID elective and English/reading teachers at Stonecreek Junior High School in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.