AVID

“What is AVID?

The following excerpt has been taken from the AVID site for an official
description:
“AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit organization
that changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered
approach. We train 70,000 educators annually to close the opportunity gap, so they
can prepare all students for college, careers, and life. When schools partner with
AVID, they receive professional development, a suite of resources, and ongoing
support to ensure a lasting impact that maximizes their return on investment. AVID
is not “one more thing to do”—our work with schools aligns with their goals to
accelerate and enhance the work that is already happening.” www.avid.org
What does AVID look like on John Muir’s campus from a practical standpoint? It
means utilizing strategies that point in the direction of students looking towards the
avenue of college and career. AVID helps students use instructional,
organizational, and study strategies that focuses on preparing them for higher level
thinking in middle school, high school, and onto college and career. Some of the
strategies include improving study skills, communication, and understanding the
art of self-advocacy.
Additionally, AVID assists with an overall change of mindset toward “not
yet”. As it is more commonly called “The Power of Yet”, it is a concept connected
to “Growth Mindset”. A growth mindset is moving from a fixed mindset of I can’t
to a more growth mindset of I can, even if it is small growth. For example, if a
student struggles with math they can improve with a growth mindset. Success is
seen when students have a recipe of time, patience, excellent teaching strategies
and a lot of perseverance and then growth is observed.”