In partnership with all key stakeholders (students, parents, community, and educators), we are committed to help meet the academic, personal/social and career needs of all students. We believe our students are stronger because of the culture of the community developed at Blythewood Middle School
AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a year-long elective class offered to students who would like to prepare for four-year colleges and universities. Students must have satisfactory citizenship, good attendance, and a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. AVID students are motivated to work toward college eligibility.
In middle school, our task is to prepare our students to succeed in middle school and college prep high school classes. In AVID, students are given the support and instruction they need to succeed. The AVID coordinator and elective teacher, along with college tutors and a school site team, provide the necessary support for students who might not otherwise have the skills necessary to go to college. By being enrolled in rigorous classes with the tutorial support provided in the AVID elective, student grade point averages rise, increasing the number of students enrolled in honors classes and algebra by 8th grade. AVID motivates students and provides the skills and confidence to reach their goals.
The AVID elective is a class that meets daily during the school week during one of the elective class periods during the school year. The week is divided into curriculum days, tutorial days, and motivational activity days. The two days devoted to curriculum focus on the WICOR methodologies of AVID: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. Aside from WICOR, the curricular days also develop students' note-taking and study skills, while teaching time management and goal setting. Mini lessons provide additional support for English, math, science, and social studies classes. Students participate in tutorials twice weekly with tutors and college students to provide support in Math, English, Social Studies, and Science classes. Motivational activity days include college and career activities, guest speakers from area colleges and local professionals, and field trips to local colleges and universities.