B6.32 - Approve the Renewal Implementation Agreement with the Center for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program for Membership, Curriculum, and Professional Learning (Academic Services)

This renewal agreement has been developed for the 2020/2021 school year to continue the program operation, which will include 96 school sites.  This agreement outlines member roles, materials, and fees associated with the AVID Center to include: membership cost, AVID Summer Institute, and professional learning.  A list of participating schools is attached with the agreement.

In the 13 years Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has offered AVID, there continues to be a strong percentage of students who continue to select this elective, proving further that AVID is more than just a class, it is a family and a safety net for students.  This agreement will continue to build the AVID elective courses and will provide teachers with professional learning and online opportunities and resources.

AVID programs will be offered in 27 high schools, 42 middle schools, 21 elementary schools, 5 K-8 schools, and 1 career center.  AVID impacts about 10 percent of each of our AVID secondary schools and the 4th and 5th grade populations at AVID elementary sites which is roughly 12,000 students.  This agreement will allow for continued program expansion for the number of students impacted through AVID elective and AVID school-wide.

AVID creates a culture and expectation of rigor and the opportunity for college and career readiness for all students.  With focus on leadership, systems, instruction and culture, the AVID program is designed to prepare students for postsecondary success.  Data provided by the AVID Center for the 2019 HCPS AVID senior class of 670 students: 100 percent graduated from high school; 86 percent applied to a 4-year college or university; 74 percent were accepted into a 4-year college or university; 48 percent plan on attending a 2-year college or technical school; 94 percent completed 4-year college requirements; 71 percent took one or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and had an average grade-point average of 3.6.  Of those seniors, 55 percent are first generation college-bound students, and 19 percent are English Language learners.  HCPS middle school AVID data for 2019 reflects the following: 47 percent of AVID 8th graders completed Algebra 1 or higher; 47 percent completed a high school level course other than math, and 87 percent took the PSAT.  Over 500 teachers and administrators at elementary sites have been trained in AVID Elementary Foundations.  In November of 2019, Rampello K-8 Downtown Partnership School earned the distinction of AVID National Demonstration School.

With the approval of this AVID agreement, we expect to support sites with an increase in student exposure to AVID strategies and methodologies that will support them in rigorous coursework.  For secondary sites, this will include: AVID student profile, student scheduling in rigorous courses (honors, Advanced International Certificate of Education, and AP), engaging leadership, and the use of Writing/Inquiry/Collaboration/Organization/Reading strategies and vertical articulation.  For elementary sites, this will include: increase in bridging elementary to middle school transitions, increase in instructional use of AVID strategies into day-to-day curriculum, and increased awareness of college and career options.

* Improve the high school graduation rate

* Improve Student Achievement

* Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child

* Develop a culture of respect, trust, collaboration and equity

That the Board approve the renewal Implementation Agreement with the AVID Center for the 2020/2021 school year.

Terry Connor, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, Academic Services, terry.connor@hcps.net (813) 272-4221
Eric Bergholm, General Director, Advanced Academics, eric.bergholm@sdhc.k12.fl.us (813) 272-4559
Jazheel Lenegar-Brown, Supervisor, Advanced Academics, jazheel.lenegar@sdhc.k12.fl.us (813) 272-4965

Funds in the amount of $308,324 will be available in the Excelerator/College Board/AVID/SpringBoard budget.  The project number specific to this is 5378.