MISSION OF AVID

The Mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and most especially the least served students  who are in the middle:

·         Will succeed in rigorous curriculum

·         Will complete a rigorous college preparatory path

·         Will enter mainstream activities of the school,

·         Will increase their  enrollment in four-year colleges, and

·         Will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

AVID'S systemic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase school wide/district wide learning and performance.

WHAT IS AVID?

AVID is an acronym. It stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.  AVID is an elective class.   Each week students, enrolled in the program will receive two hours of instruction, two hours in tutor-led study groups, and one hour in motivational activities and academic survival skills. The goal of AVID is to provide students with high expectations, encouragement, day to day help, and a vision of college as an attainable goal. 

The Mount Vernon School District supports the AVID program starting from 6^th grade up to 12^th grade. The AVID program specifically targets students with GPA's from 2.0 to 3.5; average to high test scores; and, of course, those who have desire and determination.  Potential AVID students must meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) First generation in their family to attend college, 2) Historically "least served" in 4-year colleges/universities, or 3) Low income. (Please see student/teachers for applications.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1)                    How are AVID students selected to be a part of the program?

They apply and go through an interview process.

2)                    What happens to students who are not selected for the program?

LaVenture Middle School, Mount Baker Middle School and Mount Vernon High School teachers and counselors and principals have been trained in the use of AVID techniques. Those techniques are used throughout the school. Staff members supplement regular curriculum with AVID teaching to make AVID school-wide.

3)                    What Kinds of things go on in the AVID class?

Students work to improve organization, collaboration, inquiry and communication skills. Throughout, students focus on goal setting and college culture as a way to prepare for post-secondary schooling. Also, students get help from tutors and other students through a problem solving process called tutorial.

4)                    What is the success rate of AVID students?

Over 90% of AVID students who stay in the program until the end of 12^th grade go on to a four year college.

5)                    What grades have AVID?

Currently, Mount Vernon schools offer AVID classes in 7^th-12^th grade. Potentially, we could offer a program that starts as early as 4th grade.

6)                    How many students are in the AVID program currently?

We recently expanded in the middle schools. Approximately 25% of our middle school kids are in the AVID program that starts as early as 4^th grade.

7)                    Are AVID students required to do more work than the average student?

Yes, they are required to do more work thean the average student. AVID students are required to take Cornell notes for their academic classes as well as stay organized in planning and with their student binder. Students are checked weekly on their organization and note taking. Also, students give up an elective to take AVID (which counts as an elective). There is additional homework from the AVID class in the form of projects and assignments. Also, AVID students are expected to take the most rigorous courses possible to be best prepared for college. That means a full college preparation load throughout high school that included honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.