College Readiness (AVID)

Background on Program

AVID is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research-based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

Although AVID serves all students, it focuses on the least served students in the academic middle.  The formula is simple - raise expectations of students and, with the AVID support system in place, they will rise to the challenge.

What differentiates AVID from other educational reform programs is its astounding success rate. Since 1990, more than 85,500 AVID students have graduated from high school and planned to attend college. Of the 22,210 AVID 2010 seniors who reported their plans, 91.3% intended to attend a postsecondary institution; 58.3% in four-year institutions and 33.0% in two-year institution

Buljan Middle School, Vencil Brown Elementary and Woodbridge Elementary Schools each offer an AVID program. Buljan Middle School has been recognized as an AVID demonstration school and exemplary program model. Schools and districts interested in implementing AVID or improving their own AVID program can arrange to visit Buljan where visitors can observe:

• Dedicated and successful implementation of the 11 Essentials
• Strong and committed leadership
• Evidence of outstanding student achievement
• Models for excellent inquiry-based AVID tutorials
• AVID as a schoolwide approach to school improvement
• A schoolwide college-going culture with college readiness as a basic expectation
• A center of learning for AVID best practices
• A showplace for the synergy and excitement a strong AVID program creates

AVID Excel

AVID Excel’s mission is to change the trajectory of long-term English learners by accelerating language acquisition, developing literacy, and placing AVID Excel students on the path to high school AVID and college preparatory coursework.

AVID Excel is designed to prepare 7th and 8th-grade students to enter 9th grade with the language skills that will enable them to succeed in rigorous coursework. AVID Excel is offered at Buljan Middle School.