Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) and College Board Preparing All Students for College Readiness

Mission
The mission of AVID and College Board is to prepare all students for college readiness and success.   AVID is an acronym for Advancement via Individual Determination.  AVID targets those students who are in the middle, underachievers, and/or students with limited exposure to college readiness information and competencies.  College Board is a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect students to college readiness opportunities and college success through its programs and services such as PSAT, SAT, AP, SAT Online, CollegeEd, and SpringBoard English. 

Office Description
The Superintendent initiated the AVID program and College Board partnership to improve rigorous instruction for all students as aligned with the Blueprint for Progress performance goals and standards.  Some of the services offered are:

• Instructional support to teachers and administrators via classroom observations, conferences, constructive feedback, and professional development.
• Annual District and School Disaggregated Data Summaries (PSAT, SAT, AP)
• An annual BCPS and College Board Partnership Professional Development Calendar with training and workshop offerings for administrators, teachers, counselors, and students.
• Funding support for instructional materials and school participation in annual College Board and AVID training conferences.
• Continuous instructional support regarding rigorous instruction and student performances on local, state, and national tests.
• AVID and PSAT/SAT Review Preparation Courses of Study.

2009/2010 Initiatives

• Pilot AVID and PSAT/SAT Review Preparation Course Curricula using the Articulated Instruction Module (AIM).
• African American Male Initiative-AVID National Research Project.

For more information, see the links and the websites:

• AVID:  www.avidonline.org
• College Board:  www.collegeboard.com