Regional school leaders visit Walla Walla to see AVID in action

Regional school leaders visit Walla Walla to see AVID in action
Educators from around the region visited Walla Walla this week to learn more about how AVID (Advancement Via Individual Achievement) works for teachers and students to improve school culture and performance.

District and school administrators, AVID site team members, and other educators who are considering implementing AVID in their school or district, or are a current AVID school and want to gain insight from another AVID implementation, attended AVID Showcase events at Pioneer Middle School and Sharpstein Elementary.

These events are hosted by AVID schools across the country and provide an opportunity for educators to see an AVID implementation, share best practices, and learn more about AVID hands-on. The Showcase experience includes AVID Elective and content class observations and a chance to speak with experienced AVID site team members and students.

“It is really important for me to see how middle school AVID programs work so we can tailor our high school program so we are not re-teaching everything all over again,” said Lori Wyborney, Rogers High School (Spokane) principal. “This is an outstanding program and it is great to see how a good program is working and how an entire community is wrapping themselves around AVID.”

Participants learned about the key components of AVID implementation. They also heard about AVID as a schoolwide catalyst for improvement, observed an AVID elective class and discussed implementing AVID with school administrators and teachers. They heard from AVID students and reviewed data and results from AVID students from the hosting school.

“It makes me feel special that all of these adults traveled to my school to hear what I have to say about AVID,” said Pioneer Middle School 8th grade student Kaysa Villagomez. “This experience has helped me gain confidence to speak in front of groups. AVID is like a family and provides the support to help me get on a pathway to college.”

About AVID
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID professionally develops educators to use proven practices in order to prepare students for success in high school, college, and a career, especially students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.