Question Everything

This book documents the evolution and success of the AVID program - Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID's goal is to prepare middle- and high-school students to a high level of college- or career-readiness. This means that students not only get into college, but that they also have the tools and skills to survive and thrive once there. And, while not all kids will go to college, AVID believes that all need rigorous preparation to succeed in their careers and lives beyond high school. AVID began in 1980 with one teacher, and is now an international organization serving more than 400,000 students in 47 states and 16 countries/territories. The AVID curriculum sees time management, presentation, and cooperation skills as the foundation for academic success. Students learn how to schedule assignments, set goals, prepare for tests, study in groups, brainstorm ideas, organize essays. The results are impressive. For example, over 60% of AVID students complete Algebra I by the end of eighth grade compared to 22% nationally. Much like Mathews' book about KIPP, this book will tell the stories of individual AVID educators, students, and families to illustrate how and why the program works. Most importantly it will show other teachers and schools how to employ AVID's strategies with their own students. Much like Mathews' book about KIPP, this book will tell the stories of individual AVID educators, students, and families to illustrate how and why the program works. Most importantly it will show other teachers and schools how to employ AVID's strategies with their own students.