San Dieguito Union High School District

1. Desire to improve as students/learners.
2. Earn average grades but want to do better.
3. Are willing to try.
4. Are "coachable" – are open to feedback and guidance.
5. Believe that people can change
6. Have not yet mastered the skills necessary to succeed academically (e.g., note taking, organization, and academic reading) but have the potential to do so.
7. Are committed to their education.
8. Need extra encouragement and guidance to reach their academic potential.
9. Do not yet have the skills to advocate for themselves–to ask for help and to stand up for what they need.
10. Desire to succeed academically, including graduating from college.
11. Take initiative–take action without having to be told what to do.
12. Have self-confidence or have the desire and potential to become self-confident.
13. Collaborate and communicate effectively.
14. Think creatively and critically, searching for insights beyond those that are obvious.

Each AVID family supports its student's vision of achieving college-readiness and enrollment. The family provides the encouragement and high expectations that students need in order to work hard to reach their ultimate goals. The family actively engages in the education of their student and learns about the requirements of college readiness. The AVID family holds students accountable for working hard to academically succeed. 

The AVID elective class is a fundamental part of a student's schedule. Students enroll in the AVID elective class as part of their normal class schedule. They learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking, including asking probing questions; receive academic help from peers and college tutors; and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that encourage college readiness. AVID helps students become academically successful leaders and role models.

The AVID curriculum, based on rigorous standards, was developed by middle and senior high school teachers in collaboration with college professors. The program focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. AVID curriculum is used in AVID elective classes and in content area classes with AVID-trained teachers.

AVID trains teachers to implement verified practices in order to prepare students for success in high school, college, and career. The AVID teacher is a well respected instructional leader who organizes school personnel, college students, and faculty to serve the needs of students. The teacher provides intensive support with strong teacher/student relationships. The AVID site coordinator works with colleagues to implement AVID methodologies school-wide, to place students in college preparatory curriculum, and to work with counselors to guide students through the college application process.

AVID Trained tutors use their knowledge and experience to play a vital role in the success of the AVID elective class, where they facilitate student learning with rigorous curriculum. Tutors conduct study groups and encourage student participation and collaboration. Tutors create an engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. When continuing their education in college, many AVID students return to the program as tutors providing an active learning resource and serving as role models for students.