AVID – Advanced via Individual Determination

Submitted by: Kathy Knight Burns
Vice Chair, Nassau County School Board
November 22, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Many of our students spend their high school years preparing to pursue post-secondary
educational options. These students understand that whether they choose a four-year college, university, community college, or specialized institution to prepare for a specific career path, continued advanced training is a pre-requisite to securing their futures. Sadly, the idea of continuing education after graduation remains an unfamiliar concept and an elusive goal to a percentage of our graduates. The Nassau County School District is committed to providing these students with unrealized potential the skills to set long-term goals to become contributing members of our society.

By implementing the AVID Program (Advancement via Individual Determination) in all our middle and high schools we intend to prepare not just some, but all students for postsecondary opportunities. AVID is not just a program, but a philosophy that holds students accountable to the highest standards, and provides academic and social support to “average” or “just below average” students.

AVID targets students with low grades but with demonstrated potential. These “stuck in the middle” students may be the first generation in their family to seek higher education. They may be often overlooked and unaware of their own abilities to succeed and achieve at the college level. Given the opportunity and an “extra push” these students can excel in an environment of high academic rigor with extensive collaborative support.

AVID students must choose to participate in the program and their parent(s) must choose to support their student’s participation. The educational model for AVID students is based on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to learn (WICOR). The WICOR learning model is utilized by teachers to help students improve comprehension and articulate ideas at increasingly complex levels. AVID students receive extra assistance while developing skills in collaborative problem solving, critical reading and questioning.

AVID is designed to insure that all students, including those who may have been underachievers in the past to:

• Succeed in a rigorous curriculum
• Enter the mainstream activities of their school
• Increase their interest and enrollment in postsecondary programs
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in society

The learning experiences of an AVID student may differ from that of a traditional classroom by the emphasis on writing, individualized tutorials, instruction in time management, goal setting, reading to learn, and test preparation. Motivational activities that include speakers and field trips as well as mentoring programs with community volunteers are components of the program.

Implementation of AVID requires participating teachers to complete extensive and rigorous professional development to insure consistency and fidelity in programs throughout the district.
Our district-wide AVID implementation is entering its final phase. With the 2016-17 introduction of AVID at Fernandina Beach High School, all our middle and senior highs will be AVID schools. It is our expectation that students served through AVID learn the skills and behaviors required for academic success. With intensive support and strong student/teacher relationships, AVID creates a positive peer group for participating students and inspires in each AVID student the hope for personal achievement through hard work and determination.

In February, FSCJ will host a College and Career Fair at the Bean Center campus. Nassau
County students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from universities, colleges and technical training centers from throughout the country. The campus will be filled with students excited about the opportunities available to them. AVID students will be part of this next generation of young men and women who will realize their full potential in the years to come. They will be confident in their ability to succeed at the next level and determined to make their dreams become a reality. For more information about our AVID programs, please contact guidance counselors or administrators at your local middle or high school. AVID…Advancement via Individual Determination!