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AVID has been prominently featured recently in the news.
First are several excerpts from a March 16, 2004 editorial for the San Diego Union-Tribune, written about the difficulties faced by students who now must pass the California High School Exit Exam…
“If districts are serious about getting kids up to speed academically, they should greatly expand their AVID class offerings.”
“Success is standard procedure for AVID graduates. Of the nearly 100,000 students enrolled in the program, 95 percent who see it through to completion go on to college.”
“The program is so solid that AVID students in California have been “knocking the socks off” their counterparts on the exit exam, according to statewide program manager Granger Ward.”
Lastly, and most important for students and parents of HJHS…
“Once AVID kids are highly motivated to learn in middle school, they need to continue that momentum in high school. Otherwise, they are likely to lose interest and squander their scholastic potential.”
This suggests that students enrolled in the HJH AVID program should continue to be involved with this program that offers rigor and support throughout High School.
In the second piece State Secretary of Education, Jack McConnell, during a state of education speech to the legislature refers to a student, Jesus Medrano, who faced some Major challenges.
“Jesus grew up in a violent neighborhood close to the Mexican border where, he says, most kids drop out of high school if they get there at all. Jesus’ father had to drop out of school in Mexico after the third grade to support his family. His parents were devoted, but had few expectations for their son beyond high school graduation. They did not know how to dream them. Jesus was bright, so he did well in elementary and middle school, where classes were easy and little homework was expected. But by the time he entered high school, he was a borderline student – not taking school seriously, not much caring, and at risk of dropping out.”
“Then Jesus was referred to the AVID program, where for the first time in his life he was cut no slack. AVID – Advancement Via Individual Determination – is a program that focuses specifically on students like Jesus, who have potential but are at risk of falling short. Its teachers guide AVID students through tougher courses, giving them the skills, encouragement, and opportunities to meet college-level expectations. Jesus was told to redo sloppy work, re-take classes he was failing, and was reminded what the world could offer him, if only he’d reach for a higher bar. He was supported and challenged, with higher and higher expectations as he progressed through school. By his sophomore year, he started thinking he might apply to college.”
By the beginning of his junior year, he set his sights high, on the University of Calfiornia. Jesus not only made it to graduation, he took, and passed so many Advanced Placement courses his senior year grade-point average was 5.0 Jesus would like to be here with us today, but he can’t miss classes. He is a sophomore now, on a full-ride scholarship at MIT.”
These and many other writings emphasize the need and importance of programs such as this. HJH is proud to be seen as a leader in the implementation and continuation of AVID.
Hesperia Junior High School is always willing to interview students who are interested in joining the AVID program
To learn more about HJH AVID or AVID at Hesperia High School please call and ask for a brochure. Contact the school 244-9386 Ext 126 or email john.alcorn@hesperia.k12.ca.us
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