Mission: AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
AVID is implemented in more than 7,500 schools in 47 states across the U.S., plus schools in the Department of Defense Education, Canada, and Australia. AVID impacts more than 2 million students in grades K–12 and 62 postsecondary institutions. Schools and districts have taken methodologies and strategies from the elective course, such as focused note-taking and collaborative study groups, and implemented them school wide and district wide to impact their entire communities. The formula is simple: raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge.
At the middle and high school levels, AVID students receive support in an academic elective class called AVID. This class is taught during the school day by a trained AVID teacher. AVID elective teachers support AVID students by providing academic support, managing tutorials, working with faculty and parents, and by helping students develop long-range academic and personal plans. As part of AVID, students are asked to enroll in challenging coursework such as advanced courses, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, UT OnRamps, or International Baccalaureate. The support provided by the AVID class, and structured weekly tutorials, helps pave the way for student success in these rigorous college-preparatory classes. Leander ISD offers the AVID Elective course to students in both middle and high school.
What does AVID do for students?
- Teaches study and organizational skills
- Strengthens their reading and writing skills
- Gives weekly tutorial help through AVID tutors
- Builds leadership potential
- Teaches students to work collaboratively to be successful in the most rigorous courses
- Assists students with the application process for colleges and universities
- Assists students with the application process for scholarships and financial aid
- Helps students explore careers through guest speakers
- Helps students explore colleges/universities through field trips
How are students selected for the AVID program?
AVID targets, but is not limited to, students in the academic middle that have the potential to succeed in advanced courses. The selection process is as follows:
- Recommendations are taken from teachers, counselors, and parents. Students may also recommend themselves for the program. Recommendations are not required for students to apply.
- Any interested student will complete an application process. This information is available from their campus counselor or the campus AVID coordinator.
- The AVID campus site team (composed of an administrator, counselor, campus AVID coordinator, AVID elective teacher, and other subject teachers) reviews applications and selects the students for the AVID elective course.
Contact your middle or high school campus to learn more about becoming an AVID student.
