AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college readiness system that prepares students for college eligibility and success. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by schools and institutions of higher education across the United States and 16 countries, providing training for more than 85,000 educators each year and making a difference in the lives o
f more than 2 million students. AVID's systematic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance. AVID students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in their AVID elective class as well as do the academically rigorous and challenging work required. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students:
* Succeed in rigorous curriculum
* Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
* Enter mainstream activities of the school
* Enrollment in four-year colleges
* Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society
In Shakopee, AVID started in fall 2013 with two sections in the 8th grade at Shakopee East and Shakopee West middle schools. Since then, it has grown to support several hundred students in grades 7-12 at both middle schools and Shakopee High School. Students are selected to participate in AVID based on a particular criteria and are given the choice whether or not they would like to be in the program. Students must complete an application and be interviewed for consideration to be selected for AVID. AVID is an elective class held five days a week during the school day. Besides being in the class, AVID students also usually take at least one rigorous course a year. AVID students learn valuable skills, such as writing, note taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, critical thinking and more, that will help them succeed in rigorous courses snd prepare for post-secondary education. AVID-trained tutors facilitate small group student tutorial sessions twice a week during the AVID elective class. AVID students visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, scholarships, financial assistance, classes and programs offered, opportunities, and collegiate life. They also attend career fairs, college fairs, perform community service, and participate in leadership and team building activities and other enrichment opportunities. Guest speakers representing professionals in a variety of career fields are invited to present to AVID classes. In addition, fun and educational events, such as AVID Family Night, are held for AVID students and families. To learn more about Shakopee AVID, visit our AVID Web page at www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/domain/163. Shakopee - Home of the Shakopee Sabers!
