Porterville High School AVID Program

AVID Teachers:

AVID 4: Mrs. Odsather

AVID 3: Mrs. Shiers

AVID 2: Mrs. Rankin

AVID 1: Mr. Powell
 

For additional information on the AVID program click here: http://www.avidonline.org/

What AVID is...

• AVID is an acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• AVID is an in-school academic support program for grades 5-12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success.
• AVID places academically average students in advanced classes.
• AVID levels the playing field for minority, rural, low-income and other students without a college-going tradition in their families.
• AVID is for all students, but it targets those in the academic middle.
• AVID is implemented schoolwide and districtwide.

What AVID isn't...

• AVID isn't a remedial program.
• AVID isn't a free ride.
• AVID isn't a niche program.
• AVID isn't a college outreach program.

The AVID Student

AVID targets students in the academic middle — B, C, and even D students — who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.  These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.  Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families.  AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation. 

Why AVID Works

Between the remedial programs for students who lag far behind, and the gifted-and-talented programs for a school's brightest children, lies the silent majority: average students, who do "okay" in ordinary classes but, because they don't attract attention to themselves, are left alone.  Many of these students hunger for more challenging coursework but fear failure.  Their potential lies dormant, waiting to be recognized, encouraged, and supported.

Teaching Methodologies

WIC-R — or writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading — forms the basis of the AVID curriculum.  It gives students the skills they need to succeed in college-preparatory classes, like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.