AVID
What is AVID?
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.
Who is an AVID student?
AVID is designed for students with academic potential. Typically, AVID students have average to high test scores, a 2.0 through a 3.5 grade point average, college potential, and a desire and determination to work hard and study smart. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.
Additionally, an AVID student is one who meets one or more of the following criteria:
• First in family to attend college
• Historically underserved in 4-year colleges
• Low family socioeconomic status
• Special circumstances such as school site recommendation
What does AVID look like at O'Keeffe?
We have two classes of students (one 7th and one 8th) who learn strategies for school success like note-taking, organizational systems and critical reading, writing and thinking.AVID students also engage in tutorials twice a week to support each other in solving points of confusions that arise in academic classes. Additionally, many of the teachers at O’Keeffe use AVID strategies in their classes including Cornell notes, collaborative inquiry and organizational skills.
AVID Strategies for Success
Cornell notes
AVID students are required to take notes using the Cornell note-taking method. This method, developed by Cornell professor Walter Pauk in the 1950s, promotes critical thinking and helps students recall by getting them to process their notes at least 3 times.
Learning Logs
AVID students use learning logs to record their thoughts, reactions, and responses to class lectures, videos and discussions. This technique helps students to focus on what they are learning in their classes. They use writing as a tool for learning. "How do I know what I think until I see what I write?"
- Learning log questions/activities
- Cornell notes learning log
- Writing prompt learning log
- Weekly learning log
Philosophical Chairs
Philosophical chairs is a format for classroom discussion that develops students abilities to critically think, verbally ponder and logically write their beliefs. Its format is similar to a Socratic Seminar and pushes students to pay careful attention to their classmates comments and to engage in dialogue with each other.
- Philosophical Chairs Rules of Engagement
- Philosophical Chairs Reflection
- Philosophical Chairs Topics
Binders/Organizational Strategies
The AVID binder is a requirement for every AVID student. It becomes one of the tools for student academic success. Students learn the value of keeping a neat, complete, and organized binder. Students revisit the concept of organization in a number of ways but rely heavily on the binder to store all of their academic materials.