AVID

A program designed to prepare students to succeed in a college and honors preparatory pathway for admission to a four-year college or university upon high school graduation.

The 2007-2008 school year will usher in AVID at Garey High School. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and the course will be offered at Garey Village to 9th grade students who were selected through an application and interview process. The program will grow over the next three years and expand through the 12th grade by the Fall of 2010.

History of the AVID Program
     AVID began in 1980 in San Diego by Mary Catherine Swanson an English teacher at Clairemont High School. At the time federal courts issued an order to desegregate the city’s schools, bringing large numbers of inner city students to suburban schools.  Many of the students new to the school were recent immigrants and minority students. Mrs. Swanson  searched for a way to help all her students achieve success and found her answer by creating AVID, an academic elective to help students achieve in rigorous courses. 
AVID is a course and a program but more then that it is a philosophy.  Hold students accountable to the highest standards while providing academic and social support, and students will rise to the challenge.  AVID is an essential strategy for helping to close the achievement gap and making the dream of college accessible to all students.

      AVID now serves nearly 200,000 students in over 2,700 middle and high schools in 39 states and in the District of Columbia as well as across 15 countries. The AVID program and courses are available in the majority of high schools and middle schools in the Pomona USD with growth projected at all levels in the next few years. The program in Pomona has been successful in helping more students achieve the college dream while better preparing students for the demands of academic life.

The AVID Program at Garey High School
     Students are enrolled in the AVID elective course each semester of high school. The AVID course consists of two days of tutorials, two days of AVID curriculum and one day of motivational activities each week. In tutorials students work in collaborative groups with the assistance of college tutors using the Socratic Method of questioning to seek answers to questions that students have in their core classes such as Algebra, Geometry, English, Science and History. The two days of AVID curriculum focus on college and career research, SAT/ACT preparation, writing and reading workshops. Motivational activities include guest speakers, fieldtrips, projects, and presentations as well as team building activities and community service. In addition, students are required to have Cornell Notes for each of their core classes which are checked on a weekly basis by college tutors.
     During the summer AVID students are required to attend summer school or summer programs on college campuses or participate in enrichment programs such as internships. The summer prior to 9th grade AVID students are enrolled in technology classes for summer school on main campus to meet the technology and elective requirements to graduate from high school. However, additional years of summer school are based on individual student needs based on their four year academic plan to graduate and meet or exceed their college requirements.
     AVID recruitment takes place each year during the spring. Students in the 8th and 9th grade can apply for enrollment in the 9th and 10th grade AVID courses. Students must complete an application, submit current transcripts, submit two teacher recommendations, and have their counselor and parent approval to apply. First Priority is given to current AVID students, followed by current Garey, Fremont and Simons students who submit their applications by the deadline.

AVID Parent Involvement
     Parent Meetings are held three times a year and serve as a way of welcoming new parents and students as well as offering college, financial aid information, AVID student progress and presentations to parents. In addition, parent participation serves as a vital link between the home and academic success.  AVID parents are also invited to additional college information meetings, workshops and fairs offered through the district, the Career Services Center and through joint AVID and GATE meetings throughout the year.

 

AVID Goals

• Challenge, encourage, and build student skills through academic instruction while creating a supportive and rigorous college going environment.
• Prepare students to meet the A-G requirements for California State University and University of California admission.
• Give students necessary skills to thrive in a competitive university and academic setting.
• Successfully prepare students for the CAHSEE, CST, ACT, SAT I and or SAT II exams.
• Increase college knowledge and awareness among parents and students.
• HIGH EXPECTATIONS that all AVID students WILL ATTEND A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY UPON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION!

AVID Students

• Have between a 2.5-3.5 grade point average.
  
• Have average to moderately high test scores.
  
• Are Basic and or Proficient on the Content Standards Tests.
  
• Have good classroom behavior and attendance.
  
• Complete all of their classwork and homework assignments.
  
• Have the potential and desire to work hard to attend a four-year university or college.
  
• Are committed to enrolling in AVID every semester of high school.
  
• Will be placed in rigorous college preparatory and honors courses.
  
• Must agree to enroll and sign up for at least 1 Advanced Placement course & exam by the 12th grade.
  
• Will enroll in Summer School for the summer between 8th grade and 9th grade.
  
• Are willing to attend summer school at Garey or summer programs at a college or university as needed to ensure completion of college requirements and experiences.

 

For more information on the AVID Program or to apply please contact:

Mr. Albert Tan                        Gabriella Sanchez                               Jennifer Hess Francev
AVID Teacher                          AVID Counselor                                    AVID Administrator
909-397-5060                         909-397-4451                            909-397-4451 Ext. 2938