Abstract
Statement of Problem
Achievement Via Individual Determination's (AVID) mission is to ensure all students, especially those in the middle, succeed. Those in the middle are typically the least served by our schools. They do not have Individualized Education Plans (IEP), 504 plans, Student Success Team (SST) plans, modified grades, or Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) plans. AVID's mission is that these students will succeed in rigorous curriculum, complete the college preparatory path, participate in extracurricular activities, enroll in a four-year college, and finally become educated and responsible participants of a democratic society. The problem is that AVID is its own curriculum as an elective class. Teachers are trained how to use its strategies in their own curricular area, but not how to apply it specifically to each grade level or curricular unit of study. If the program as a whole is so clearly effective then why limit the AVID strategies to just the elective classroom? Why not implement the strategies into other curriculums as well?
Sources of Data
The research information contained in this project was obtained from methodology textbooks and a thorough search of the professional journals. The author first researched the AVID program and learned that effective teaching strategies will help close the Achievement Gap. That led to further research on research-based, effective teaching strategies and the Achievement Gap. Some ideas were obtained from other educators, professionals in education, and from the author's experience.
Conclusions Reached
The research indicates that the Achievement Gap is growing. Educators must do something about it or else we will fail our students. Research-based effective teaching strategies along with the AVID curriculum will help in closing the gap. These strategies will empower students to become active participants in their own learning process. The ideas in this handbook will give teacher s the strategies to engage all students in addition to well-prepared lessons and activities.