As we welcome the spring season, we’re reminded of the renewed energy and hope it brings—and why a strong AVID implementation is more essential than ever.
With so much change happening around us, now is the time to stay focused, plan ahead, and lean into what works. AVID’s evidence-based strategies remain a powerful force for student success, despite shifting challenges in the educational climate. As our partner Hank Clay, Chief of Staff at Metro Nashville Public Schools, notes, "AVID is a credible and trusted brand that has differentiated itself by being nonpartisan and consistently focused on ensuring all students and educators are served in every state."
So, why is AVID here to stay? Because it’s grounded in research and works. The AVID College and Career Readiness Framework reflects decades of educational research identifying highly effective teaching practices creating engaging, relevant, and rigorous learning opportunities for students. AVID's professional learning provides educators the tools, strategies, and confidence they then pass along to their students. In this way, AVID students are not only prepared to engage rigorous content put before them, but, to engage the world around them.
We invite you to experience the powerful impact of AVID at our summer professional learning events. Early Bird registration for AVID summer professional learning is now open, but it closes on May 1, 2025. Register today to take advantage of cost savings!
We’re excited about the future and deeply grateful for your continued dedication to shaping student success.
Looking Back on 45 Years of AVID: Celebrating the First-Ever Site Team
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reflect on AVID’s journey, which began in 1980 with the first Site Team at Clairemont High School in San Diego. Founded by Mary Catherine Swanson, this pivotal moment sparked a transformative movement in education, where collaboration and dedication became essential to student success.
The AVID Site Team works to close opportunity gaps and promote college and career readiness for all students by implementing and sustaining AVID across their school. The team, made up of school leaders and teachers, collaborates to ensure access to rigorous content, embedding AVID strategies and taking shared responsibility for student outcomes.
Today, AVID Site Teams continue to drive excellence, and we’re excited to introduce the "Site Team of the Year" category in the AVID Global Achievement Awards. These teams, fueled by professional learning, are creating lasting change and carrying forward the legacy of Clairemont’s pioneering efforts.
Here’s to 45 years of growth, innovation, and the bright future of AVID’s Site Teams!
Northwest Middle School Achieves AVID National Demonstration School Status
We are thrilled to announce that Northwest Middle School in Knoxville, Tennessee, has earned the prestigious title of AVID National Demonstration School! As the first school in Tennessee to receive this honor, Northwest Middle School has set the standard for excellence in college readiness and student success. This recognition reflects their unwavering commitment to empowering students with the skills, support, and opportunities needed to pursue higher education.
Through AVID, students at Northwest Middle School are developing critical academic skills, including writing, organization, and collaboration, while also gaining access to tutoring and inspiring field trips. These efforts are helping students with GPAs ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 become confident, self-advocating learners who are prepared for a bright future.
Curious about how to become an AVID National Demonstration School? Visit the AVID National Demonstration School Portal to view our criteria and take advantage of this summer professional learning season to increase the number of educators at your site trained in AVID strategies.
Each AVID Community Newsletter will feature a spotlight story, highlighting the amazing anecdotes out there in the AVID world!
Upcoming PL Events and Webinars
AVID National T-Shirt Design Contest — Submit Now!
The CEO Student Advisory at Westminster High School has launched the AVID National T-Shirt Design Contest. We encourage all AVID classes to participate with a chance to get your t-shirt sold at all Summer Institutes and be featured in the AVID online store. Click on the button below for rules and submission information.
Are you ready for summer professional learning? Take a look at the new AVID Site Teams Updates site for all things related to Site Teams and summer learning. It will be updated often, so bookmark it to check for new information.
Hear From School Leaders in Our Free "Championship Learning for Every Student and Teacher" Webinar Series
Join AVID’s Championship Learning for Every Student and Teacher free webinar series—three engaging, 30-minute roundtable discussions featuring insights from experienced principals across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Moderated by Michael McCormick, AVID’s Superintendent in Residence, these sessions will provide actionable strategies to strengthen your school community.
AVID student summer programs are here! Maximize the summer break by equipping your students with tools, strategies, and insights to elevate their success. Ready to make an impact? Check out the webpage for all the details!
District Director Leadership 1 PL Offered In-Person This Summer
District Director Leadership 1 (DDL 1) Professional Learning will be offered in-person during Day 0 at three AVID Summer Institute™ hotels — Dallas, Tampa, and San Diego 2. DDs: Use this opportunity to attend both DDL 1 and DDL 2 this summer. Please note: DDL 1 registration is separate from AVID Summer Institute registration. See DDL Landing Page below or contact your Implementation Strategists with questions.
Level Up Learning With AVID Creator Planet on Roblox!
Looking for a fun way to energize learning? AVID Creator Planet turns education into an adventure, helping students build critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills in an interactive gaming environment. It's easy for teachers, powerful for students. Set up a free, private classroom server for a safe, focused space where students can collaborate, problem-solve, and grow their skills. Whether you're new to game-based learning or a seasoned pro, getting started is quick and simple! Bring learning to life—get started today!
AVID Certified Educator — Second Application Window Opens Soon!
Missed the first round? Another chance to apply to be an AVID Certified Educator is coming March 24 – April 4! Join a supportive community that helps you grow as an educator to better serve your students. Check back on the webpage later this month for more details. More information coming soon!
EVERFI will host a live webinar about the Financial Literacy units in AVID Weeks at a Glance (WAG), on Thursday, April 3, at 4:00 pm ET. Register now to learn about the units for 6th–12th grades and how financial literacy impacts your students' agency and opportunity knowledge.
Coming Soon: The New AVID Secondary Implementation Instrument!
Launching next school year, this updated instrument will help schools assess and strengthen AVID implementation with clearer guidance and more flexibility. Stay informed on what’s coming—visit the webpage for updates and more information as it becomes available!
If it relates to education and matters to you, we're talking about it on our podcasts.Tune in every Tuesday and Wednesday for a new episode of Tech Talk For Teachers and Unpacking Education. If you're interested in hearing from our alums, tune into AVIDly Adulting™, the podcast where guests tackle the wild ride of transitioning into their first career and all of the life lessons in between and beyond.
