9. Why Developed / Problems / Issues Targeted

AVID is trying to increase the numbers of academically average youth who do not go onto PSE; the program also tries to develop the abilities of students whose academic potential is often not recognized.

The final report will present the impact of AVID on access to post-secondary education.

10. Key Features / Content

• Innovative
• Effective
• Promising

AVID techniques aim to convert students from “passive learners” into active classroom contributors and critical thinkers.

AVID was designed by Mary Catherine Swanson, a San Diego high school teacher who wanted to encourage her inner-city students to achieve higher academic standards and succeed at the post-secondary level. The program has been implemented in over 2,700 US high schools. The AVID Center provides a teacher training and resource facility. AVID was integrated within the curriculum of BC’s Chilliwack Senior Secondary School in September 2001 because of staff concerns about the rate of participation in post-secondary education of graduating students.

Over 800 students are currently participating in the AVID elective class. About 450 students are in a comparison group, with another 160 students assigned to a wait-list. Participation in the three groups was determined by random assignment. 110 students are receiving AVID in schools that were too small to accommodate a random selection design. Chilliwack is playing a lead role in coordinating implementation across the province. Over 160 BC teachers received training at the AVID Institute in Summer 2005. Schools must be committed to full implementation of the AVID Program, with the AVID elective class available within the regular academic school day, and must work toward participation in annual AVID certification. Each school has a School Site Team, an active interdisciplinary team that collaborates on issues of student access to, and success in, rigorous post-secondary preparatory courses. Trained tutors are also available in the AVID class.