About AVID

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 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 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 number of students enrolled in honors classes and algebra by 8th grade. Algebra is a high school credited course, so students are able to enter high school with one credit completed towards graduation. These students will come together to share a sense of school pride and become role models among their peers. AVID motivates students and provides the skills and confidence to reach their goals.

The AVID elective is a class that meets within the regular school day. The class is composed of different elements, making students successful in all their classes. 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 also 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.

What are the requirements to take an AVID class?

AVID programs in Richland School District Two are available for students from elementary through high school who may or may not necessarily be college-bound, but who are willing to work hard and push themselves, and who have the desire to be a strong competitor for college. AVID looks for students who have:

• good test scores
• 2.0-3.5 unweighted GPA
• a good attendance record
• a good behavior record
• the desire and determination to take challenging courses, such as advanced and honors classes, and will do well in them.

Also, those who are historically under-represented in four-year colleges, or economically disadvantaged are given priority in the application process.

How to enroll in AVID?

Students can contact one of the school's counselors, teachers, and/or the principal by email or by talking to them during the school day. They will be given the application, which states the requirements and terms of taking the class. A scheduled interview in front of a site team member is also part of the application process. Students will apply for this course during or prior to the upcoming school year. Students can contact the AVID Coordinator for more information.