AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through post-secondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide 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.
While many folks talk about what should be done to prepare students for college, AVID is doing it and has been for over 30 years.
Although AVID serves all students, it focuses on the least served students in the academic middle. The formula is simple – raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge. What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Since 1990, more than 85,500 AVID students have graduated from high school and planned to attend college. Of the 22,210 AVID 2010 seniors who reported their plans, 91.3% intended to attend a post-secondary institution; 58.3% in four-year institutions and 33.0% in two-year institutions.