AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a nationally recognized program with a mission to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

AVID equips schools with tools to build engaging, rigorous, and student-centered learning environments. Through professional training and support, teachers learn how to strengthen students’ critical thinking, reading, writing, and organizational skills using proven, research-based strategies. Lake Worth Middle School is proud to offer the AVID program to students who are eager to take the next step toward their academic and personal goals.

Purpose of AVID
● Teach skills and behaviors needed for academic success
● Provide intensive support through tutorials and strong student-teacher relationships
● Build a positive peer community
● Develop a sense of hope and confidence in future achievement through hard work and determination

Vision
To cultivate a culture of college and career readiness at Lake Worth Middle School by providing rigorous and meaningful instruction, fostering strong character, and empowering both students and staff to achieve success as lifelong learners and contributing members of society.

Student Profile
Students who thrive in AVID often:

● Earn grades at or above grade level
● Score at or above passing levels on state assessments
● Show determination to be college- and career-bound
● Demonstrate strong aptitude in reasoning and problem-solving

They may also be:
● The first in their family to attend college
● From groups historically underrepresented in higher education
● Unsure about how to access honors or advanced coursework
● Bright, capable students who benefit from additional support with organization and study skills

AVID Selection Criteria
An AVID student is typically “in the academic middle”—capable of succeeding in a rigorous college-preparatory path with the right support. Selection considers multiple factors, including:
● State standardized test scores
● Classroom performance and grades
● Attendance and behavior
● Student motivation and determination
● Completed application and interview

No single factor determines eligibility. All Lake Worth Middle School students are welcome to apply for the AVID elective class.

AVID Student Commitments
Once selected, students must:
● Enroll in the AVID elective
● Take rigorous courses available at Lake Worth Middle School, with guidance from counselors
● Maintain strong attendance and good citizenship
● Keep an AVID binder with grade sheets and daily notes for all classes
● Complete all assignments and commit to studying nightly

Recent Successes
● Strong and consistent AVID enrollment
● Increased number of AVID-trained teachers
● Guest speakers sharing real-world career and college pathways

Recruitment Criteria
● GPA of 2.0–3.5
● Proficient or “on the bubble” of state tests
● May be first-generation college-bound
● From low-income or single-parent households
● Demonstrate college potential and determination

Benefits of AVID
● Exposure to diverse career paths
● Higher graduation and college acceptance rates
● Student leadership development
● Academic growth and improved study skills
● Critical thinking opportunities
● Support for underrepresented students
● Peer mentoring and strong support systems
● Parent and community involvement
● Celebrating achievements and successes

AVID Curriculum
The AVID curriculum is rooted in WICOR strategies:
● Writing – tools for learning, such as focused note-taking, quick writes, and peer evaluation
● Inquiry – engaging in discussion and questioning, including Socratic Seminars and Costa’s Levels of Thinking
● Collaboration – learning together through tutorials, group projects, and structured academic conversations
● Organization – developing strong study habits using binders, planners, and calendars
● Reading – applying strategies for deep comprehension, vocabulary building, and critical analysis

Through WICOR, AVID helps students access challenging content while building the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.