What do you do in the AVID class? 

• We do direct instruction on Executive Functioning skills such as organization, reflection, time management, study techniques, and note-taking strategies.

• We prepare to take the PSAT as well as both the SAT and ACT tests (free test waivers for both tests can be provided to AVID students).

• We research universities of interest to our students and the programs provided at those universities as well as the admission requirements and averages at each school.

• We do direct instruction on goal setting and career development.

• We visit college campuses and learn about campus life at universities.

What is the difference at each grade level in AVID? Why take it for all 4 years?

• The curriculum at each grade level of AVID is tailored to the different needs of each level on the pathway to a 4-year university.

• Freshman year: in 9th grade we focus primarily on organization, note-taking, questioning/inquiry skills, goal setting, career research, presentation skills, and beginning to learn the Tutorial process.  All AVID students also participate in a 5 hour service project at every level.

• Sophomore year: in 10th grade, we take everything from the previous year to the next level.  For example, students might do more specific research than they have in the past, or they may make longer presentations.  We also begin the PSAT prep process and introduce resume writing. Students in this year do a lot of long-term goal setting to make sure they are on track and challenging themselves in areas where they excel.

• Junior year: in 11th grade, we have much more intensive look at 4-year universities.  Students research 10 colleges that they are interested in applying to as well as writing a first draft of the admissions essay for each one.  Students also take the PSAT for free and get more specialized SAT and ACT test prep in the junior year of the program.  Fee waivers for taking the SAT can be provided to AVID students who need them.

• Senior year: 12th grade is where the goal of all their hard work comes together.  The AVID teacher helps students navigate their college applications, the Residency Determination System (or RDS), the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), applications to at least 8 universities using fee waivers, and applications to scholarships.  Every AVID student is required to apply for the Dell Scholarship, which is only available to students who participate in college-prep programs like AVID.

Does AVID prevent me from taking Health Science/Band/Arts/AP or other classes?

• No, it is possible for AVID students to also participate in other programs around the school.

• There are AVID students who also complete the Health Sciences program and receive a CNA before graduation.

• There are AVID students who also participate in the Dual Language program at Seaforth to receive a seal of biliteracy on their diploma to certify academic language in both English and Spanish.

• AVID students are encouraged to take AP and Honors classes, and we help students choose the areas that they have greatest strength

What is an AVID Tutorial?

• Twice each week, students in AVID participate in a Tutorial to answer a question in a non-AVID class.  Students bring questions in another class where they may be struggling or need to review or study for tests and quizzes.

• The Tutorial is grouped based on similar topics, and students work together with a Tutor and the AVID teacher to find answers to their questions.

What is the AVID Binder?

• The AVID Binder is the organizational system that we teach students for all classes.  Students are expected to keep all papers in one binder, but we are also flexible with the needs of other classes.  Students sometimes make individual binders for separate classes as needed by their teacher.

• The binders are checked once each week for organization, note-taking strategies, and time management through the use of a planner.

What kind of test prep do you do in AVID?

• In Chatham County Schools, we are very happy to have Princeton Review materials that have been purchased by the district for programs to use.  We utilize that system in the 10th and 11th grade levels of the AVID program to provide PSAT, ACT, and SAT test prep.

What is "AVID Schoolwide"?

• At Seaforth High School we are on the pathway to including AVID strategies in all our classrooms.  This is called the pathway to "AVID Schoolwide." This means that we are in the process of training all teachers at Seaforth High School how to implement the benefits of AVID into all classes.  

• Teachers at Seaforth High School get professional development every year about note-taking, executive functioning, relational capacity (or relationship building), time management, Socratic Seminars, Philisophical Chairs, and other AVID strategies that can help all students on their pathway to their careers.

General CCS Frequently Asked Questions:

Why was my student recommended for AVID? 

The AVID Elective is a college readiness course. Your student was recommended because he/she is showing potential to not only enroll and succeed in rigorous courses, but to be on track to attend any college. AVID is not a remedial course. Students in the AVID Elective enroll in rigorous courses and receive the support needed to succeed in those courses. Your student has been identified as someone who has potential and could benefit from the skills that will be taught and the peer community in the AVID Elective class. The educators at your student’s school believe your child can improve and succeed academically as they prepare for college and a career with the help of AVID.

How can I find out more about the AVID Application process? 

Recruitment for the AVID elective classes begins in January for the upcoming school year.  Your child's AVID Site Team may promote the AVID elective with informational sessions in classrooms, invitations to specific students based upon teacher recommendations and individual student sessions. If you believe AVID may be a good fit for your student, please contact your school's counselor or AVID Coordinator.

What can I do to support my child in the AVID Elective class?

The best way to support your child is to understand the expectations of their AVID Elective teacher and support them at home in meeting those expectations.  Also, contact your child’s school for additional ways you can support AVID and get involved.  

Do you have any resources to help me support my student?

Yes!  As a parent, you play an integral role in your child’s academic and social development. You lay the foundation for their future. If you’d like to learn more about how AVID can help your child thrive, please contact the school counselor or AVID Coordinator at your child’s school.  Here are some additional resources you can use to help your child thrive in school, work, and life: PARENT RESOURCES

Why do AVID students have to take advanced coursework?

Students in the academic middle often move through our educational systems without any special recognition, positive or negative. While many of these students go on to graduate from high school, they are often not college-ready upon graduation. When a school has AVID, students in the AVID Elective and throughout the school are held to higher expectations and given the support they need to succeed and prepare for postsecondary opportunities. By pushing students into more rigorous coursework, encouraging, assisting, and advocating for them every day, AVID greatly increases their likelihood of making it to and through college.

My child is not in the AVID Elective. How does he/she benefit?

AVID is designed to impact the leadership, systems, instruction and culture of a school to support high expectations and levels of achievement for all students. AVID impacts students throughout the school when trained teachers use AVID strategies to influence the academic and behavioral skills of their students in all content classes. Although AVID is an elective course for selected students, ALL students will benefit because the methodologies, strategies, and expectations are school-wide and impact the learning environment and culture of an entire campus.

What can I do to prepare my child for college?

AVID has resources and tips available to help you when preparing your child for college. Also, be sure to contact your child’s school for any particular deadlines, possible college visit opportunities and for ways you can help.

Who can I contact with more questions about AVID?

Please browse this website for great resources about all the facets of AVID and contact your local school for more specific information or questions. See the home page for contact information.  Seaforth High School's AVID Coordinator is Sarah Harris ( sharris@chatham.k12.nc.us )