AVID

What is AVID?

• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally-recognized, research-based program aligned with The College Board and implemented to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college access and success.  These students are from groups that are generally under-represented in university programs and are students who are capable of and committed to completing a high school college-prep curriculum.  The students are typically the first in their families to attend college.
• Students are recommended by their teachers to participate and complete an application and interview process.  Parent involvement and commitment to the program are also an integral component of AVID participation.
• AVID curriculum is delivered during a one hour elective class that supports students as they tackle the most rigorous classes.
  • AVID curriculum includes learning strategies – WICR – that focus on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading – in addition to time management, note taking, information/exposure to post-secondary applications, financial aid, etc.
  • Another component of the AVID elective class is tutorial.  Two days a week, tutors work with the AVID students during the elective class in small study groups.  The study groups explore/investigate topics/concepts currently being studied in the students’ Advanced Placement and College-prep classes.
  • AVID also utilizes Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Chairs’ strategies

How long has AVID been implemented in Olathe Schools?

• Olathe began AVID during the 2006-07 school year at five sites.
• In 2007-08, Olathe added three additional AVID sites

Which Olathe schools have AVID programs?

• Olathe has launched AVID programs in the following schools:
  • Olathe East, North, Northwest, and South High Schools
    • Grades 10, 11, 12
• Indian Trail, Oregon Trail, Pioneer Trail, and Santa Fe Trail Junior Highs
  • Grades 8 and 9

Graduate Statistics

In May, 2008, eleven seniors from Olathe North were the first Olathe AVID graduates.  Of the eleven, all were headed to higher education and over 75% had been awarded scholarships.  One AVID graduate was recognized as a Gates Millennium Scholar – a national scholarship that will underwrite his higher education expenses through doctoral level.

In May, 2009, a total of 43 AVID seniors will graduate from Olathe high schools.  Scholarship information is incomplete at this time; however, one AVID senior has been recognized as a Dell Scholar representing $20,000 to be awarded over six years.

Olathe East – 12 grads/12 to post-high

Olathe North – 11 grads/11 to post-high

Olathe Northwest – 12 grads/12 to post-high

Olathe South – 7 grads/7 to post-high