AVID is an academic, regularly scheduled elective class based on writing as a tool of learning, inquiry method, and collaborative grouping. The three main components of the program are academic instruction, tutorial support

and motivational activities.

AVID is a structured, college preparatory system that works directly with schools and districts. Aimed at first-generation college entrants in grades 4 to12, AVID takes a schoolwide approach to curriculum and rigor adopted by more than 3,500 schools in 45 states and 15 countries. It provides a professional development program that seeks to train students throughout the U.S.

What is Academic Rigor?
Rigor is the goal of helping students develop the capacity to understand content that is complex, ambiguous, provocative, and personally or emotionally challenging. Taking rigorous courses opens doors!

• AVID is not:
  An at-risk program
  An affirmative action program
  A school within a school
  For all students
  A "Silver Bullet"
  A Quick Fix
  
  
• AVID contributes to the success of the students by:
  Teaching study and organizational skills
  Using English as a writing tool for learning
  Strengthening writing skills
  Giving tutorial help through college tutors
  Teaching students to work collaboratively to be successful in the most rigorous courses
  Taking students to visit colleges and universities
  Assisting students with the application process for four year colleges and universities
  Helping students explore careers through guest speakers

AVID Mission
AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Learn more at www.avid.org.

More about AVID at Wheeling High School
AVID is offered as an elective course at WHS that meets everyday throughout the school year. Students receive daily instruction in college entry-level skills, twice weekly college-tutor led study groups (known as tutorials), and weekly motivational activities and academic survival skills. 

AVID students prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) so that they are ready to participate in one of these exams in their junior and/or senior year. Freshman, sophomore, and junior students are also encouraged to take the Eleventh Grade Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) as further preparation. This ongoing preparation includes instruction on test prep, item analysis on practice exams, and timed writing instruction which teaches students to organize their thoughts quickly and prepares them to write concisely.

AVID uses “writing as a tool of learning” as a basis for all assignments. This preparation revolves around the improvement of writing in all subject areas.  The AVID writing curriculum utilizes the writing process. Freshman AVID students begin with lessons on lecture and textbook note-taking. They progress through the writing curriculum by dealing with autobiography, firsthand biography, and descriptive and explanatory writing. Sophomore and junior AVID students focus on specific writing strategies such as describing processes and comparing and contrasting. The senior AVID students work to improve the skills acquired in the previous years by writing essays in various discourse modes and by applying these skills to timed writings, which prepare them for the college English placement examinations.

AVID also provides students with academic study skills such as time management, note-taking, textbook reading, library research, and maintaining an AVID binder. Class and textbook notes, time management calendars, assignments, and homework are kept in the AVID binders, which organize the students’ daily routines. In the front of each binder students keep a tutorial log of their participation in AVID study groups.

A portion of class time is devoted to motivational activities such as field trips to local universities and colleges, during which students attend classes, learn to use the libraries and bookstores and tour the campuses. Students take field trips to local businesses and professional offices to learn about various career options. Career and college outreach speakers are also invited to the AVID class to speak to the students, introducing them to the many educational and career opportunities available.

AVID employs college tutors, who are also student-teaching or interning in the building. Tutors assist students primarily in small groups. Students come to class prepared with questions about their assignments. Students learn a system of note-taking that helps them record, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate course concepts. These notes are the focus of the tutorial study group sessions. The students’ obligation to tutors is that they read or study the materials and have accompanying notes. The tutors do not provide answers; rather, they help the students with the process of learning through inquiry. Thus students learn to seek and use help, a skill often underdeveloped in the students whom AVID targets. Furthermore, study groups emphasizing the Socratic method of inquiry and collaborative learning teach students yet another valuable skill that will assist them in being successful students, since the most successful college students are those who study in groups rather than in isolation. 

Wheeling High School had its first graduating AVID class in 2012.  Since that first year, we have had 100% of our students accepted into multiple colleges.  Many have since graduated with bachelor and master degrees.  Many are enjoying successful careers, and some serve in our United States Military.

On their campuses and in their workplaces, our AVID alumni have proven to be competent and driven individuals who excel in leadership positions.  From internships with various companies, teaching our youth, defending our country, saving lives and other important roles in society, our alumni are making their marks on the world.  

Many of our students have worked incredibly hard to earn full ride scholarships to their chosen schools, making their college dreams that much more attainable.  Below is a list of some of the schools our AVID students have gone on to after graduating from Wheeling High School.