Advancement Via Individual Determination Research Articles

The Impact of a School-Based Academic Support Program on Students’ Psychosocial Impairment

The skills conveyed in high school are essential for success, and evidence suggests that psychosocial well-being is critical to that process. Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) is an in-school, academic support program that targets underserved students. The current study explored the impact of an intervention program targeting academic achievement on student perceptions of social support and psychosocial impairment. The study was conducted in an under-resourced, majority Latinx high school and the sample included 75 AVID students and 140 demographically matched controls. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to identify the impact of participation in the AVID program on symptoms of emotional and behavioral distress. After controlling for demographics factors and academic achievement, student perceptions of emotional and teacher support explained 7.2% of the variance in psychosocial distress; participation in the AVID intervention was found to have significantly improved the variance accounted for (ΔR2=.02, 5.13, p=.025; R2=.11, F(9,204)=2.90, p=.003). The results of this study indicate that perceived teacher social support and AVID participation were, independently, significantly associated with reduced student psychosocial distress. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the complex mechanisms of school achievement may also have a positive impact on psychosocial impairment beyond student perceptions of social support.

Underchallenged and overly bored: Why rigor is important in the middle school classroom

Middle schools often struggle to provide students with the necessary academic rigor to promote academic growth. Many students experience academic stagnation when schools fail to provide appropriate academic services. Dani Tinkel’s article examines how the limited priorities of middle school inadvertently promote disengagement and underachievement and what schools can do to ensure that all middle school students have opportunities to be cognitively challenged, including through programs like Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), by providing a vision for a balanced middle school experience.

Effect of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program on Middle Level Students’ Executive Function

The current research investigated the impact of Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) on middle level students’ executive function skills. AVID uses inquiry-based and student-centered instruction to close the opportunity gap in college attendance and degree attainment for underrepresented demographic groups. With AVID, teachers inspire students to take control of their learning. This study analyzed AVID elective class students (the intervention group) and a comparison group utilizing the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2) Teacher Form. Each group’s science teacher completed a pre-and post-survey to measure the participants’ individual BRIEF2 Behavior Regulation Index (BRI) and Cognitive Regulation Index (CRI). A multiple regression analysis was used to measure the change in the BRI and CRI from fall to spring. The findings indicate the AVID participants’ BRI and CRI indexes were significantly different from the comparison group following the implementation of the intervention.

An Evaluation of Effects of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (Avid) Program in Osceola County, Florida

The School District of Osceola County, Florida, invests heavily in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, and as such, an evaluation of effects was conducted with a sample of 10 middle schools (12,325 students) and 7 high schools (18,886 students). Propensity matching was used to determine practical effects. Providing schoolwide AVID was correlated with higher school grades in the Florida accountability system, and students in the elective were found to have statistically significantly higher GPAs, higher learning gains scores, greater enrollment in acceleration, and a higher likelihood of receiving college scholarships.

AVID Participation in High School and Post-Secondary Success: An Evaluation and Cost Analysis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and to derive estimates of program costs. We used the Coarsened Exact Matching approach to match AVID students with non-AVID students on 40 baseline characteristics. After matching, we estimated group differences in high-school graduation and college enrollment. We used the ingredients method to estimate program costs and calculated cost-effectiveness ratios by the duration of participation. Findings indicate that students who complete at least one AVID elective have higher high school graduation and college enrollment rates than comparable non-AVID students. We discuss how AVID compares to other college outreach programs in terms of costs and effects.

The impact of AVID tutoring on developing a teacher identity Bradley Bowen, Stacy Duffield

ABSTRACT There is extensive research demonstrating the benefit tutoring has on the tutee. However, minimal research exists about the impact tutoring has on the tutor, and particularly, how being a tutor influences pre-service teacher development during teacher preparation. Using qualitative measures, we documented the influence participating in the tutoring program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), has on a pre-service teacher’s development of their teacher identity, predominantly in the areas of pedagogical knowledge and practice. We revealed how the AVID tutoring program influenced the tutors’ development of their teacher identity, implications of the findings, and areas for future research and practice.

The Impact of Advancement Via Individual Determination on the College Readiness of First-Generation Hispanic Students in an Urban South Texas High School

This study examined the phenomenon of college readiness in Hispanic first-generation college students. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between first-generation Hispanic student participation in an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) elective course and college readiness. The researchers used logistic regression with a dependent variable, college readiness [measured by passing and failing scores on the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment in Reading, Writing and Math] and the predictor variables: AVID participation, Average T-scores of Advanced Placement, and Average T-scores of ACT and Dual Enrollment. Findings indicated that high school AVID elective course participation was a function of TSI Reading, Writing, and Math scores; however, middle school AVID elective course participation was not a function of these scores. The results highlight the importance of continued research on AVID participation and college readiness, particularly in the form of college placement exam scores such as the Texas Success Initiative.

4.15 MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RANDOMIZED TO AVID PIPELINE PROGRAM

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a widely disseminated college preparatory program for students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. Although AVID seeks to improve educational outcomes, qualitative evaluations suggest that, by increasing social support and social-emotional skill development, AVID might secondarily improve mental health and well-being. However, there are no quantitative or experimental studies testing AVID’s impact on mental health outcomes. We sought to test whether students randomized to AVID had improved mental health and social-emotional skills compared with students randomized to the control group.

From the (Academic) middle to the top: an evaluation of the AVID/TOPS college access program

Despite overall increases in college-going, college enrollment rates remain inequitable. Many programs attempt to address these persistent racial/ethnic and social class disparities in college attendance by intervening in the high school curriculum. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is among the longest standing and prevalent of these college access programs. In this paper, we present findings from a multi-year evaluation and cost analysis of the AVID/TOPS program – an enhanced AVID model – in place in Madison Metropolitan School District (Wisconsin). Taken together, the evaluation’s findings characterize AVID/TOPS as a promising program model that is associated with an increased likelihood for college readiness and matriculation, particularly for student groups underrepresented in higher education. We also report on the resources and costs required to implement the program, and show that the program’s benefits appear to exceed its costs.

A Mixed Methods Examination of Gender Disparity in High Schools Implementing Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

This mixed-methods research study offers insights and explanations into gender imbalance in the college readiness program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Over 200 schools that have been implementing AVID for more than 4 years across the United States participated in this study. Three years of archived historical data pertaining to school demographic information and AVID certification information was accessed and analyzed to examine recruitment and retention of male and female students over time, as well as student enrollment in rigorous curriculum. Our research indicated that at the high school level, gender disparity became most apparent in the 11th and 12th grades. Results indicated that schools that struggled to recruit and retain boys continued to enroll AVID students, both boys and girls, into rigorous advanced placement curriculum at comparable rates as schools that did not struggle to recruit and retain boys in the program. This indicates that once in AVID, boys and girls are provided equal access to rigor; however, recruiting and retaining boys in AVID continues to be a challenge for AVID schools. Research participants indicated that academic identity, peer and family support, leadership and mentoring opportunities and male role models influence male participation in AVID.

Challenges with Implementing the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Reform Model

This case study examined the implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) model in two schools funded for three years (2011–2014) through the Ohio Network of Education Transformation. Interviews, observations, and artifacts were gathered for two high schools over two years (2013–2014 and 2014–2015). At one year post-funding, one school's implementation of the AVID model was persevering and the other had completely halted. Several challenges with implementing the AVID model emerged to help explain the schools’ experiences and to suggest lessons learned.

Successes and Cautionary Notes from a Two-Year Study of the Ohio Network of Education Transformation

The Ohio Network of Education Transformation (ONET) funded schools to implement different models of school reform including Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), the Asia Society's International Studies Schools Network (ISSN), New Tech, and Early College. This article introduces these four reform models and considers their implementation and impacts for two sites each. Findings from a two-year evaluation focus on overarching themes and lessons learned across reform models. Four subsequent articles present findings from each model in greater detail. Taken together, this set of articles provides an in-depth understanding of educational reform implementation for often understudied reform models.

Influence of a School District’s Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Program on Self-Efficacy and Other Indicators of Student Achievement

This article examines a school district’s Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program using perceived self-efficacy in academic achievement and self-regulated learning, GPA and attendance as indicators of program effectiveness. Results suggest that AVID participation was positively and significantly correlated with attendance in the full sample and among Latino/students, and was a strong predictor of self-efficacy and GPA among African Americans. Findings suggest that AVID may be useful to educational leaders in thier efforts to reduce achievement gaps among ethnic minorities.

What’s RITE in St. Louis? Empowering Urban Youth Through a Community Tutoring Collaborative

This study profiles tutoring programs that empower urban youth within the Regional Institute of Tutorial Education (RITE), a community collaborative of universities, youth agencies, community service organizations, and school districts. Representative members of RITE detail how they address shared urban problems of academic deficits, school dropout, and pregnancy in St. Louis’s urban school districts. Tutoring models of targeted, cross-curricular, collaborative, community directed, and youth-led instruction are described as delivered by Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis (GSGBCSTL), the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Clayton-Ladue Rotary community service organization, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a nationally licensed college preparation program and Conscious Choice (CC), a University of Missouri–St. Louis and St. Louis University student retention and pregnancy prevention program. Data, narratives, and tutoring structures describe how some members of the RITE collaborative assist in addressing both the academic and social needs of urban schools. The achievements of these RITE members demonstrate how frequently unrecognized and underutilized university and community resources are able to empower urban youth.

Listening to Students: Examining Underlying Mechanisms That Contribute to the AVID Program's Effectiveness

This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the effects of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program from the student perspective, specifically focusing on factors associated with student resilience. The AVID program aims to close the achievement gap among predominantly minority and low-income students without a family history of college attendance. Qualitative focus groups were conducted to better understand student perceptions of the program and quantitative survey results were used to compare scores on measures of school support, school engagement, and resilience among AVID and non-AVID students. Both qualitative and quantitative results provided evidence suggesting that the AVID program improved school support and engagement, as well as in the development of individual resilience factors, such as self-awareness, problem-solving ability, and self-esteem. Qualitative results also highlight the importance of providing consistency for students in the learning environment. Future directions and recommendations are provided.

Teachers’ Beliefs about Educational Justice in an Advancement via Individual Determination (A.V.I.D.) Program

This research project explored the impact of seven teachers’ life experiences on their core beliefs about educationally just teaching philosophy and practices. Results of a qualitative, phenomenological case study yielded six themes, each revealing particular connections between teachers’ life experiences and their beliefs about educational justice. The research was conducted at high-school sites within programs designed to foster educational opportunities for students not academically succeeding within their respective institutions. Results were based on extensive interviews and classroom observations. The work is grounded in educational justice scholarship and has particular significance for teachers who work with disenfranchised student populations

AVID Teacher Leadership: Administrator and Teacher Perceptions of Leadership Attributes

This study examined the perceptions of teachers and administrators with regard to AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) teacher leaders. The purpose was to compare whether teachers and administrators agree on the types of attributes needed for teacher leaders involved in implementing AVID as a school reform effort. Results revealed that there is agreement among teachers and among administrators regarding the importance of a teacher's personal attributes and attributes related to classroom environment. When compared to teachers, administrators generally feel that certain leadership attributes are more important, such as open communication with the principal, creative problem solving, collegiality on campus, organizational skills, and respect for other teachers.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) at a Postsecondary Institution: Support for First-Generation College-Goers

This study examines how a selected Hispanic-Serving Institution is implementing Advancement Via Individual Determination as a strategy for improving retention and time to graduation for 1st-generation Hispanic college students. A quasi-experimental design approach was used in which the retention rates and 1st-semester grade point averages of a freshman cohort enrolled in a paired set of courses were compared to those of a control group and a similar intervention group. Focus group data were also used. Though few statistically significant differences were found between the intervention groups with regard to grade point average and retention, students benefitted from the support received in the paired classes.

An Exploratory Study of the Influence of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program on African American Young Men in Southeastern North Carolina

This is a qualitative study of how the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program influenced 9 African American young men in southeastern North Carolina. To understand the impact of the program, a cross-section of current and past AVID participants were interviewed. The African American male students were asked about their attitudes toward education and how AVID influenced them socially and academically. Four themes that emerged from the data were: (a) Supportive, family-like relationships are built within the AVID classroom; (b) the students strive to do better academically; (c) specific AVID methodologies improve student achievement in preparation for college; and (d) AVID positively affects student attitudes toward education. These themes are discussed in relation to the literature. Finally, we suggest how this research might inform future studies.

An Examination of AVID Graduates’ College Preparation and Postsecondary Progress

This quantitative study sought to investigate how Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and other high school college preparatory achievements contributed to the college success of underrepresented students enrolled in community colleges and 4-year universities. Eighty-five AVID graduates from 12 Texas high schools attending 5 Hispanic-serving higher education institutions participated in this research. AVID graduates at community colleges and universities were found to achieve intermediate outcomes of success, such as 1st-year retention, at higher rates than their institutions’ student populations.