Welcome to McGarvin's AVID program.

The mission of AVID is to ensure that students: 
* will succeed in rigorous curriculum

* will complete a rigorous college preparatory path, ie: prepare to enter a 4-year college after high school  graduation

* will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society. 

*will serve as a support group as students meet the challenges of high school

*will visit colleges and universities to help students plan for their future

*will give back to our community through community service

AVID is a systematic curriculum designed to support students and educators as they increase schoolwide/districtwide learning and performance. 

Course Philosophy 
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is offered as an elective course that prepares students for entrance into four-year colleges. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, study skills and test taking, notetaking and research. 

Two days a week students participate in tutorial sessions. On these tutorial days students work with college tutors to assist them in small groups with academic questions that students bring to tutorial. Students are required to take notes during tutorial and use class and textbook notes to inform their discussions during tutorial. Tutors help students with the process of learning through inquiry, rather than giving students the answers to their questions. Students learn the value of working with others in tutorial. 

In AVID, students also participate in motivational activities including college and career research, college and career guest speakers, field trips to colleges, service learning experiences, and leading campus activities. These activities provide students with the resources they need to learn about many positive opportunities available to them in the community that will impact their future. 

Objectives of the Course: 

1. Students will take courses that meet four-year college entrances requirements.

2. Students will participate in tutorials for academic courses. 

3. Students will learn and apply AVID skills including note taking, organization, time management, and goal setting. 

4. Students will improve their oral communication skills through a variety of activities, including presentations, debates, and Socratic Seminar. 

5. Students will participate in writing to learn activities, including note taking, response to literature, summary and essay writing. 

6. Students will create college and career portfolios as they develop their academic and professional goals.

Students are selected each spring to be in the AVID program based on their interest and potential to go to college.

If you are interested in joining AVID, please email Mrs. Marquez at emarquez@ggusd.us or Ms. McCarthy at smccarthy@ggusd.us for information.

National AVID Homepage