SLPS Prepares Students for College Success with New AVID Program

St. Louis ¨C St. Louis Public Schools has implemented an exciting new program that prepares students to succeed in college. The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program places previously underachieving students in the same college preparatory courses as high-achieving students, and then provides the necessary support to help them achieve success. SLPS is the only district in the state of Missouri to offer this international, college readiness approach.

The federally funded grant program helps students who are primarily from low income and ethnic minority backgrounds prepare for the rigor of high school Advanced Placement classes. The curriculum features writing, study skills, time management and organization. Research shows that AVID graduates enroll in college at a rate two and half times greater than that of their contemporaries.

AVID redefines the teacherĄ¯s role as that of a student advocate and mentor. In addition, college students are trained to work individually with students on assignments, and retired teachers lead subject specific study groups. Peer teams contribute to a studentĄ¯s success through positive reinforcement and identification.

SLPS students interested in participating in the AVID program are required to complete a student application, participate in an interview, read and sign the student/school agreement, and submit a recommendation from a teacher and counselor.

For more information about AVID, contact Linda Bell, the AVID Director for St. Louis Public Schools, at (314) 345-4474 or Linda.Bell@slps.org.