Regardless of their life circumstances, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students overcome obstacles and achieve success.  They graduate and attend college at higher rates, but more importantly, they can think critically, collaborate, and set high expectations to confidently conquer the challenges that await them.

Mission

The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.  Students will:

• Succeed in rigorous curriculum
• Get involved in activities at school
• Increase enrollment in four-year colleges
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

Objectives

•  Raise the expectations of students in the academic middle who desire to go to college and are willing to work hard
• Enroll high school students in rigorous courses (AP/IB)
• Optimize students' chances for success in rigorous coursework by providing necessary instruction and a system of support
• Empower students with critical college preparatory skills
• Ensure that all students graduate high school ready for career/college

Misconceptions

The AVID program is not:

• A remedial program
• A free ride
• A study hall
• A quick fix
• Special education

The AVID Curriculum & Schedule at OHS

All work in the AVID elective is graded and students will earn credit upon completion. By the end of the AVID class, students will progress toward excellence in essential college skills:

Writing/Reading: Includes focused-notes, learning logs.
Inquiry: Includes Socratic seminars, class discussions.
Collaboration: Includes tutorials, community service projects.
Organization: Includes binder checks, grade checks, attendance checks. 

AVID students must: 

• Attend AVID elective classes
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA 
• Enroll in one or more advanced academic class (AP or IB) each semester
• Maintain satisfactory citizenship and attendance in all classes
• Maintain the AVID binder with assignment/grade record sheets and daily notes in all classes 
• Complete all homework assignments and commit to studying every night

AVID Application Process

In the identification process a number of criteria are considered, including:

• State Test Scores
• GPA
• Citizenship 
• Attendance 
• Desire and Determination 
• Other Special Circumstances 

While all of the criteria are considered for acceptance into the program, no single criteria will necessarily eliminate a student from consideration. The AVID program reflects the demographics of the Oconomowoc School District. Students participating in special education, gifted and talented programs, and ELL will be considered for AVID based on the criteria listed above. 

Students must apply to join the AVID elective class and demonstrate how the AVID program fits into achieving their post-secondary (college, career, and life) goals by participating in an interview process and from recommendations of teachers/counselors. Unfortunately, not all student applicants are guaranteed a spot in the AVID elective. 

Timeline

Student applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a firm due date of late February each year.

AVID Tutor/Tutorials

Success in the AVID Elective is based on the AVID curriculum, tutorial method, and motivational activities. An important key to that success is the tutor as role model, mentor, and motivator as part of a support system for students. A tutor’s commitment to building positive rapport with students is crucial. AVID tutors must be dependable and serve as advocates for students’ academic and social growth. AVID students learn to trust tutors. Tutors should be willing to share their enthusiasm for learning and for the college pathway.  Students will learn about the experiences tutors have gained through their hard work, grit, and perseverance.