AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
Watch this video to find out why YOU should join AVID!
Click here----->A message from the Independence High School AVID Family
What is AVID?
AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
"AVID is not just another program… At its heart, AVID is a philosophy
Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they rise to the challenge." - AVID.org
AVID:
- Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success
- Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships
- Creates a positive peer group for students
- Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination
Who is Served by AVID?
AVID targets the average student who has the potential to succeed in a rigorous academic program if given both opportunity and support. It is not a remedial program for failing students, nor is it a program for gifted students who are underperforming. Candidates for the AVID program are identified by counselors, teachers, parents and/or students themselves according to the following criteria:
Ability-academic potential to succeed in college preparatory courses
- GPA of 2.5-3.5 in regular classes
- Average standardized test scores
- Enrollment in Algebra (or higher) and a foreign language (HS)
- Is willing to take a least one AP and/or Honors class before graduation
Desire and Determination
- Desire to attend college
- Willingness to undertake demanding preparation for college
- Good attendance record
- Appropriate classroom behavior and few or no discipline referrals
- Willingness to give up another elective in order to reach their goals
- Willing to take summer school
How are AVID students picked for the program?
- Students who are defined as middle students; based on GPA's and test scores
- Students who are the first in their family to attend college
- Economically disadvantaged
- Historically underrepresented in 4-year colleges
**You might be interviewed by an AVID teacher at freshman registration in the Independence cafeteria. Below are some sample questions you might have to answer.
Please be ready to answer any of the following questions at registration.
Keep in mind that AVID is an honor and only those who take the class seriously will be considered.
- Do you struggle in school? Why or why not?
- How do you react if you have difficulty with a subject or teacher?
- Does someone pressure you for individual determination for achievement, or do you have your own determination? How? Be ready to give an example.
- Do you have any comments you would like to make about you're application that you have not yet been given the opportunity to tell us about?
- How do you work with a group, and by yourself? Which do you prefer?
- Why do you want to go to college?
Need to Know Information
If you are accepted in the AVID program, you need to be aware of and agree to the following:
As an AVID student you will:
- Learn to take Cornell notes in your classes
- Participate in volunteer efforts/community service
- Follow a rigorous college prep curriculum
- Learn to keep a daily planner and organized school binder
- Learn about the process of getting accepted to a college/university
- Be a role model on campus as well as be a representative of Independence High and the AVID program within our community
- Be graded on weekly binder checks
- Go on field trips throughout the year
- Be willing to actively participate in fundraising efforts for field trips and t-shirts
- Listen to a variety of guest speakers from our community
- Be tutored by peer students twice a week
- Be willing to take at least one AP or honors class before you graduate
- Take the AVID elective class all four years
You will be placed on AVID probation for:
- Receiving less than a 2.5 on any report card
- Receiving an F on any report card
- Receiving poor citizenship/behavior in any class (referrals, ISS, detentions)
If you are on probation you will:
- Have one quarter to raise your GPA and/or grade
- Get extra help from the classes you are struggling in
- Improve your overall attitude and behavior
You may be removed from the AVID program if you:
- Miss more than 10 days of school per semester
- Are on probation for one grading period and the next grading period your grades have not improved
- Have behavior or discipline issues in AVID and/or other classes
- Are cited for inappropriate behavior, suspended from school (handled case by case)
