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services ...avid
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID
is a fifth- through twelfth-grade program to prepare students in
the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a
proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in
closing the achievement gap.
AVID targets students in the academic middle — B, C, and
even D students — who have the desire to go to college and
the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable
of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their
potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to
attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families.
AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and
puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation.
Not only are students enrolled in their school's toughest classes,
such as honors and Advanced Placement, but also in the AVID elective.
For one period a day, they learn organizational and study skills,
work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic
help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment
and motivational activities that make college seem attainable. Their
self-images improve, and they become academically successful leaders
and role models for other students.
Lansdowne High School is part of the initiative to implement AVID
in all Baltimore County high schools. Lansdowne has had an active
and growing AVID program since 2004. In the 2006-07 school year,
LHS will offer AVID elective sections in 9th 10th and 11th grade.
The selection process for AVID students begins in middle school
where they are recommended by their teachers, interviewed by AVID
staff and then accepted into the program.
Heather Freas-Kostic, AVID co-coordinator/teacher
Michelle Lynn, co-coordinator
For more information visit the
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