The AVID Elective course is designed to support students who possess a desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard at acheiving that dream. Students are selected through a recruitment process that examines grades, behavior, drive, and determination. Many selected students in the AVID elective are often those who will be the first in their family to attend college. For one period a day, these students receive additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in their school's most challenging courses. Students are taught a variety of academic and life skills to prepare them for college, careers, and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration, and organization to help students succeed in rigorous coursework and develop lifelong learning habits. In high school the AVID elective course helps students apply for college, scholarships, and financial aid to make the dream of attending college a reality.
Students at Bates Middle School, Furman Middle School, Hillcrest Middle School, Sumter High School, and Lakewood High School can apply for AVID.
Time management and prioritization
Keeping a well-organized binder with notes, assignments, and calendars
Goal-setting strategies and project planning
Test preparation techniques for SC Ready, EOC, ACT/SAT, WIN
Cornell Note-Taking System to organize information effectively
Developing higher-order thinking skills
Problem-solving techniques
Effective use of notes and summarizing learning
Socratic Seminars, Philosophical Chairs, and Collaborative Study Groups
Group projects and peer tutoring
Engaging in class discussions and debates
Learning teamwork and leadership skills
Engaging in peer tutoring sessions where students help each other grasp difficult concepts
Building communication skills through public speaking, presentations, and discussions
Close reading strategies to improve comprehension of complex texts
Analyzing arguments and perspectives in multiple content areas
Essay writing and research skills
Expanding academic and Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
College application guidance (FAFSA, scholarships, personal statements)
Exposure to different careers and college pathways
SAT/ACT preparation
Guest speakers, field trips to colleges, and networking opportunities
Understanding financial aid options (FAFSA, scholarships, and grants)
Developing awareness of budgeting and financial management skills
Applying for college scholarships
Encouraging students to speak up, ask for help, and advocate for their own learning
Promoting leadership opportunities through participation in school and community activities
The WAG lessons are your guide to the AVID Elective curriculum. View the WAG Overview video to learn how to access AVID Elective standards, editable lesson plans, tutorial resources, and more!