Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), is a college readiness system for elementary through higher education that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The AVID College Readiness System accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional learning, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

At the middle school level, AVID is an approved elective course taken during the school day. Students are usually selected to enroll in an AVID class after an application process. For one class period a day, they learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, obtain academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college attainable. As students progress in AVID, their self-images improve, and they become academically successful leaders and role models for other students.

The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors. It is driven by the WICOR method, which stands for writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. AVID curriculum is used in AVID elective classes and in content-area classes (English language arts, math, science, and social studies) in AVID schools.

Who is the AVID student?

AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families.  The AVID student signs a contract and agrees to do the following:

 *Maintain an organized AVID binder with notes and handouts for each subject.

*Obtain required grade checks.

*Attend school, all classes and daily participate to the best of his or her ability.

*Display appropriate behavior and attitude with fellow students and adults.

*Complete required homework for all classes.

*Maintain a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average.