By Kaylee Chick
What is AVID?
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a course offered to anyone that prepares students for college or any other secondary opportunities. AVID is offered usually starting in middle school (6th grade) but you can choose to take it at any time through middle and high school. In this course students do a lot of collaborative work that helps with developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that students can use in school and in the “real world”. To stay in AVID you must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and the benefits of taking AVID are that it was designed to help students develop the skills needed to be successful in college and any other opportunities that students take.
Why do students choose to take AVID?
As a member of AVID since 2017, I have learned a lot of information about college and what opportunities you have after high school that aren’t taught in any other classes offered to students. I have also learned strategies for everyday life and school, and I have been presented with so many amazing opportunities through AVID, such as preparation for my future career. After speaking with a fellow AVID student, I received information about why they chose AVID and what they have learned from the class.
Interviewer: Why did you choose to take AVID?
Respondent: College prep, organizational methods, and motivation to improve grades.
I: What have you learned in AVID?
R: Social skills, presentation techniques, organizational strategies, and college prep.
I: What is one strategy you have learned in AVID that you use now or will use in college?
R: Study groups.
I: What is one thing you have learned that you use in your everyday life?
R: Study strategies.
I: Why should other students consider taking AVID?
R: To gain and improve skills that would be used in school and after college.
Overall, AVID is not just for people looking to go to college or tips for learning, it’s for everyone. It is an all inclusive class that provides opportunities to strengthen skills not just in school but also in careers and \life in general. The respondent also provides another inside look into why students should consider taking AVID such as motivation to improve grades and skills that can be used in life after school.