Castle Rock School District is proud of the students and staff’s journey with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Castle Rock began its journey in the 2017-18 school year with students in grades 3,4 and 5 who benefited from AVID strategies throughout the day in their classroom. Our second graders joined in the fun in 2018-19.

The Middle School and High School began their AVID Elective Class journey and are delving into the heart of AVID and all that it has to offer our students. In addition to the AVID Elective for students, Castle Rock High School has adopted AVID’s Schoolwide Advisory Curriculum for all Advisory classes. Every Castle Rock High School student will benefit from the skills that AVID has to give students, including Study Skills, Social-Emotional Learning, and Digital Literacy.

But you might be asking, what is AVID?

History of AVID:

AVID was founded by Mary Catherine Swanson in 1980 in San Diego, California. As a high school English teacher, Swanson recognized the potential in students who were determined to succeed but needed access to advanced courses. She developed AVID to provide academic support and guidance to those students, helping them bridge the gap between their aspirations and the available resources. Since its inception, AVID has grown into a globally recognized program, serving students from diverse backgrounds across the United States and beyond.

AVID’s Purpose:

The primary purpose of the AVID program is to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in rigorous academic environments and beyond. AVID aims to close the achievement gap by providing a structured and supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and personal development. Through AVID, students are empowered to reach their full potential, regardless of their background, and are prepared for success in college, career, and life.

Skills Students Learn in the AVID Elective:

These are just a few of the of the skills AVID teaches our students:

  • Organization and Time Management
  • Critical Thinking and Inquiry
  • Collaboration and Communication
  • Writing Skills
  • Research Skills
  • Study Strategies
  • College and Career Readiness
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Cultural Competence
  • Confidence and Resilience

A cornerstone of the AVID elective is the integration of WICOR strategies into the curriculum. WICOR stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading – five essential components contributing to effective learning and academic achievement. These strategies are woven into the fabric of the AVID program, enriching students’ learning experiences and preparing them for higher education and beyond.

Writing:

AVID recognizes that writing is a fundamental skill across all subjects. Through WICOR, students learn to express their ideas coherently, concisely, and persuasively. They engage in writing activities that range from reflective journaling to academic essays, honing their ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Inquiry:

Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of critical thinking and intellectual growth. AVID encourages students to ask questions, seek answers, and explore concepts deeply. Students develop analytical skills to comprehend complex topics and draw well-informed conclusions by engaging in thoughtful questioning and research.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is a vital skill in both academia and the professional world. AVID emphasizes group work and collaborative projects that require students to communicate, share ideas, and leverage one another’s strengths. Through collaboration, students learn to work as a team, respect diverse perspectives, and pool their knowledge for creative problem-solving.

Organization:

Effective organization is critical to managing academic demands and responsibilities. AVID equips students with organizational tools and techniques, such as Cornell note-taking and planner usage. These strategies help students keep track of assignments, prioritize tasks, and maintain a structured approach to their studies.

Reading:

Comprehension and critical analysis are central to successful learning. AVID encourages active reading practices, teaching students to annotate texts, identify main ideas, and extract essential information. Students are better equipped to engage with complex materials and extract meaningful insights by becoming proficient readers.

Through the consistent integration of WICOR strategies, AVID students develop a comprehensive skill set that transcends the classroom. These strategies enhance academic performance and foster a lifelong love for learning, an appreciation for collaboration, and a sense of self-assuredness that empowers students to tackle challenges head-on.