AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic connections course that prepares students for high school and college. In AVID students receive rigorous instruction that uses tutor and peer facilitated study groups, organizational methods, guest speakers, and academic strategies. The focus is WICOR – using Writing, Inquiry/asking questions, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. It is a class that helps students become better students, classroom leaders, and more confident individuals. AVID serves students who need support, would be the first in their family to attend college, are underrepresented at college, and show great potential to improve academically. For more information on the AVID program, visit the AVID website here.

What and how do AVID students learn?

AVID students work on academic and personal goals throughout the year. A primary goal of the AVID program is for students to increase awareness of how they can make personal contributions to their learning, as well how they can contribute to their school and community.

There is an emphasis on critical reading and writing. We also focus on building collaboration skills by group projects, peer tutoring, and small group (and large group) speaking. Students refine their study skills and test‐taking, note‐taking, and research techniques. They take an active role in field trip and guest speaker preparations and presentations. Their college research includes financial topics and building their knowledge on colleges and careers of interest.              

AVID students learn reading strategies that will help them in their current courses and future high school courses. Additionally, students work on developing their writing skills. During in-class tutorials, students take ownership of their learning. All students are expected to maintain an organized binder, take notes in all subjects, participate in Socratic Seminars, be active in team-building activities, participate in class debates and discussions, complete homework in all subjects on time and with effort, and so forth. Students are expected to maintain a strong GPA (2.5+), be leaders, and demonstrate good character. Students who earn OSS and ISS will be placed on probation with the potential to be removed at the semester or any 9 week grading period depending on the situation.

When do students have AVID on their schedule?

AVID is a year‐long connections course. At Ridgeview, we have 2 periods of 8^thgrade AVID, 2 periods of 7^th grade AVID, and 1 period of 6^th grade AVID Lite*, an AVID preparedness class. Our AVID teacher is Ms. Shepherd. (*Note our 6th grade AVID class is not application-based; it is chosen in the fall of each year using student performance data, site team review, and coordinator/principal selection).

How can students be a part of AVID?

Students should complete an application, ask for two recommendations, and if invited, complete the interview process.  (Students who are present at school but fail to show up to their scheduled interview will be rescheduled once, then removed from the applicant pool if they do not show up again)

The application process includes multiple choice questions, short (2-5 sentences) answers, and a written response (7-10 sentences).

Students will have access to the links through their sixth and seventh grade teachers. For any questions, contact Ms. Shepherd shepherds@fultonschools.org or room 253.