Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, March 24, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Marshall Middle School(Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Initiative: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) was initiated at Marshall Middle School to ensure student access to rigorous course work that will prepare them for a four-year university. The implementation at Marshall Middle School complemented the addition of AVID at Plant City High School by providing students with six years of support aimed at preparing all students for college acceptance.

Goals: By entering the program in the middle grades, the students develop and practice critical thinking and inquiry skills. Students are placed in the schools’ most rigorous courses and then supported through the AVID elective class. A tutorial process is followed two days a week allowing students the opportunity to receive help through inquiry for their most difficult subjects. The elective teacher uses the remainder of the week to focus on organizational and study skills, provide guest speakers, visit college campuses, and maintain a motivational, academic classroom setting.

Targeted Population: Students who participate in AVID are usually students from the academic middle who have a desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. The opportunities offered through the AVID program puts these students on the college track instead of a remediation path.

Timeline:The AVID Program was implemented at Marshall in 2004 with one section of students. It has grown to nine sections servicing over 150 students. With two elective AVID teachers in place and plans to continue AVID in all three grade levels, there seems to be no limit to its growth.

Staff Development: Marshall Middle School has embraced AVID and has over 50 staff members who have taken an AVID Path Training. In addition, the site team regularly holds professional development on campus with an emphasis on targeted skills for the year.

Transferability: With the success at Marshall Middle School as the model, AVID is now being implemented in all 45 middle schools, 20 elementary schools, and 25 senior high schools. The model will be implemented in an additional 25 elementary school in 2009/2010. Schools with supportive administrators and strong AVID coordinators are experiencing the beginnings of Marshall’s success.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All Strategic Objectives

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

Eric Bergholm
General Director, Advanced Academic Success
(813) 272-4559
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
B 01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090324_346 * Section B Item# 01