AVID

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

• Succeed in rigorous curriculum
• Enter mainstream activities of the school
• Increase enrollment in four-year colleges
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society

The objectives of the AVID system are to:

• Raise the expectations of students in the academic middle who desire to go to college and are willing to work hard
• Enroll middle and high school students in rigorous courses
• 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 college and career

The AVID curriculum is driven by the WICOR method, which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. 

The AVID elective is offered at Prairie View and Patrick Marsh Middle Schools, Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School and Sun Prairie High School as an elective course, through an application and selection process.  Students learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college attainable. AVID students will visit several colleges each year to explore the different types of campuses and develop a sense of what they want from their own college experiences.

In addition, AVID strategies are implemented throughout all secondary schools grades 6-12 and across all subjects, in an effort to support the academic aspirations of all Sun Prairie students.

A key component of a successful AVID program is the tutorial process.  This process is used in the AVID elective class twice a week.

Purpose:

• Create deeper understanding of concepts covered in core content classes
• Develop skills necessary to become self-directed learners
• It is not just homework help

Process:

• To push each other's thinking.  AVID tutorials utilize an inquiry process
• Tutors do not give answers; they facilitate the groups discovery process
• Students reflect on their learning

How are AVID tutorials different from "tutoring"?

• Students come prepared with specific questions
• Questions are high level thinking questions
• Students work and discuss in collaborative groups
• Students must reflect on their own participation in the groups and on how the group worked together

Tutors don't teach the answers; they ask more questions; this is called the Socratic Method

Each year around February/March, our AVID team starts the recruitment process for our next group of AVID Scholars.  This process includes informational meetings, applications, interviews and more.  Currently, Sun Prairie School District recruits from our 6th grade classes as we start the AVID elective class in 7th grade.  We also recruit to fill any openings in the 8th -11th grade classes.  Final selections are determined by the AVID recruitment team.  Acceptance as an AVID Scholar in Sun Prairie carries over from one grade to the next and one building to the next.

Families who would like more information about this program and recruitment process should contact the AVID Coordinator at their building:

Patrick Marsh Middle School
Kirsten Andreoni
ktandre@sunprairieschools.org 

Prairie View Middle School
Craig Brandl 
cvbrand@sunprairieschools.org

Central Heights Middle School
Emmie Good
eagood@sunprairieschools.org

Sun Prairie East High School
Patrick Dickerson
pddicke@sunprairieschools.org
or
Erin Goelden
efgoeld@sunprairieschools.org

Sun Prairie West High School
Lisa Mezei
lamezei@sunprairieschools.org
or
Rebecca Griffin
rlgriff@sunprairieschools.org